In Manila, Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Taytay, Palawan has urged families who choose cremation for their deceased loved ones not to use the ashes as personal mementos, such as jewelry.
Bishop Pabillo emphasized that the ashes should be treated with respect and placed in churches or designated public areas rather than being transformed into keepsakes. He expressed concern that fragmenting the ashes for personal remembrance detracts from the dignity of the deceased, describing it as analogous to mutilating the body.
The Catholic Church has previously advised against temporarily bringing home urns containing ashes of the deceased. Fr. Vicente Gabriel Bautista, vice rector of Manila Cathedral, reiterated that urns that have already been interred should not be removed from the graves, as the phrase 'rest in peace' signifies a desire for the deceased to find peace far from worldly distractions.
Recently, the Mandaluyong City government lifted a temporary restriction, allowing families to take urns from the Ash Repository at the Garden of Life Memorial Park from October 22 to 29, with the condition that they return them by November 5. This measure aims to reduce the crowds at cemeteries while enabling families to pay their respects.
Bishop Pabillo also highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the remains to prevent desecration and neglect. He encouraged families visiting cemeteries to dedicate time for prayers and participate in Mass, especially since November 1 coincides with this year's Sunday.
Moreover, the bishop pointed out that the observance of Undas should serve as a time for family and friends to reunite, making it crucial to incorporate family traditions, such as attending Mass and visiting the graves of loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bishop Pabillo's stance on using cremated ashes as jewelry?
Bishop Pabillo advises against it, suggesting families should treat ashes with respect and not transform them into personal keepsakes.
What has the Catholic Church stated regarding the handling of urns?
The Church has stated that urns containing ashes should not be removed from graves once interred, as it disrupts the peace of the deceased.
What is the purpose of the temporary allowance for families to take urns home in Mandaluyong City?
This allowance aims to reduce cemetery crowds while allowing families the opportunity to honor their deceased loved ones.
Reporting by Jeff Malate for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.