This is a great reminder that peace comes in death. Why does the Catholic Church not allow ashes to be scattered? For most of its history, the Catholic Church prohibited cremations. One reason is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the idea that, during the end times, God will reunite souls with their bodies, the Vatican said. IT IS INTERESTING: What does God say about Beauty for Ashes? According to EPA guidelines, you need to travel at least 3 nautical miles from the low water line and use an urn that is biodegradable and will break down in the water relatively quickly. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. Pray this when you know your loved one is in heaven and to acknowledge the sorrow of those in attendance. 0000035548 00000 n This is a simple prayer that can be spoken by an individual or recited together with those in attendance. Importantly, Christians thought it would prevent the resurrection of the dead when Jesus comes back. Burying ashes in a local or state park may be permitted in some areas but not in others. Though there is more to this beautiful prayer, here are a few lines you can quote: Through your blessing, grace, and guidance, through the power of the light that streams from you: May all my negative karma, destructive emotions, obscurations, and blockages be purified and removed And through the triumph of my death, may I be able to benefit all other beings, living or dead.. 0000033731 00000 n How do I convince my dad to let me bury my mothers ashes, which he now has at home? For example, we already have permission to have a funeral Mass in the presence of cremated remains. Nevertheless, cremation is not prohibited, unless it was chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine. About 45 percent of burials at Catholic Cemeteries in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis are of cremated remains, said John Cherek, Catholic Cemeteries director. Will you bury the urn or only the cremains? 0000001737 00000 n One major consideration was money. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, The wind is your breath, and the fertile brown earth is your heart. Catholics Celebrate Palm Sunday as the Path of Peace. 0000035801 00000 n There are several reasons for this cited by the Catholic Church. 0000003680 00000 n The practice of cremation has grown and become more commonplace in the United States, and it is often presented as a more affordable alternative to traditional burial. The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. Capacity 250 cubic inches. would apply to the remains of the body after the research is completed. Cremated ashes can be scattered. Common practices include scattering ashes, parting ashes out to friends and relatives, and keeping the ashes in a common area, such as a living room. 0000002222 00000 n . Coq Au Vin Julia Child, Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Jan 18th, 2023, 7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God. You can read more about this here from the Vatican website. Islam has many prayers that mourners can recite for their loved ones. The burial of urns is typically not allowed, as this could cause damage or a disturbance to the park's resources. How much it costs to bury cremated ashes depends largely on the cemetery and prices can vary depending on the method, location, and involvement. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains on the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. 'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'. In fact, the Bible does not specifically talk about cremation as a method of disposing of the dead. Cremation is required in several religions, including Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, while burial is required in Islam, Orthodox Judaism, and the Eastern Orthodox Church. 0000033481 00000 n 0000003929 00000 n the nexus between sin and Death not fitting to keep ashes. Vatican Clarifies the Rules for Cremation: Bury, Dont Scatter It is important to note that the document doesnt endorse the practice. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. Hindus have a strict set of rules and rituals for performing a cremation and scattering ceremony. We try to help our readers better understand their lives; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for any professional medical guidance. 0000017213 00000 n Others decide to say a prayer. Thank you. Their loved ones to Church to be treated catholic blessing of ashes after cremation dignity but only if the remains are buried in ground! 0000010914 00000 n Moreover, it is not morally admissible to bring about the disabling mutilation or death of a human being, even in order to delay the death of other persons (CCC 2296). Find out what a Logistics in AutoPilot can do for your Operations Peace of Mind. When, for legitimate motives, cremation of the body has been chosen, the ashes You can spread them in a wilderness area, bury them under a tree, or take them out to sea. Postal Service. Is it wrong to separate cremated ashes? Here is a brief excerpt: God, full of mercy provide a sure rest upon the divine presences wings to the soul of [name] son of [name].. This link will open in a new window. Burial in a cemetery typically requires either an urn vault or an urn burial container. Since 1963, the Catholic Church has allowed cremation as a means of laying a departed loved one to rest but this was not always the case. Why does the Catholic Church not allow ashes to be scattered? 0000003013 00000 n Catholic funerals are traditionally followed by burial, and embalming is acceptable. LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Since 1963, Catholics have been allowed to choose cremation over burial as a means of laying a loved one to rest. This is a beautiful prayer that affirms trust in God and the reality that your loved one is in a better place. Today, we humbly ask you to defend Catholic Online's independence. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. He believes it is more important than ever before to help people find a genuine faith. -E`h@~c+,UtB For a religious memorial, the singing of hymns, Scripture readings, a eulogy, prayers, and a statement of committal are common aspects to include. Such questions weigh heavy on the minds and hearts of many who contact Catholic Answers. Most people donate because Catholic Online is useful. You can choose to say the entire prayer or take portions of wording to form the most appropriate saying for your ceremony when using, 13. Cake values integrity and transparency. It prevents the faithful departed from being forgotten, or their remains from being shown a lack of respect (n. 5). Rite foR the BuRial of ashes an excerpt from the Order of Christian Funerals outline of the Rite Cremation, on the other hand, is a less time-pressured option and the memorial services are more flexible and may be planned after the process is completed without an urgent time frame. Interment of ashes refers to burying cremated remains into the ground or placing an urn into a columbarium. They must be placed in a sacred place like a cemetery, a church or columbarium. 0000010939 00000 n Choose prayers and sayings they would have appreciated to show them honor, love, and respect. Catholic cremation is mentioned twice in the current Code of Canon Law. But the question of what to do with the body after death remains. The reasons for this can be found in the list of reasons the CDF gives for burying the dead in a sacred place. Admit him into the garden, protect him from the punishment of the grave and the torment of the fire.. When choosing a location for the interment of ashes, consider the costs and benefits of each option. In certain places in the world, buying a plot of land costed exorbitant amounts of money which made it nearly impossible for some Catholics to buy burial plots. There are several reasons for this cited by the Catholic Ashes may not be seperated or scattered. Lord Jesus Christ, by your three days in the tomb, you hallowed the graves of everyone who believe in you, making the grave a symbol of hope that promises resurrection even as it claims our mortal bodies. The body is then taken to the place of cremation, where the rite of committal may be celebrated. Ashes interred in a cemetery will require a burial plot. And, yes, even just His Holy Name carries great power when uttered by us human beings in faith. &Yhph69L+4`230 v6Dm;4#0 ' endstream endobj 171 0 obj<>/Size 131/Type/XRef>>stream One important question to ask yourself when choosing a location is whether or not it's important that the location be easy to access. The following are the most common reasons: Some people choose cremation because it is more economical compared to the traditional burial. You can choose to say the entire prayer or take portions of wording to form the most appropriate saying for your ceremony when using scattering urns. In this case, the urn with the ashes is placed on a stand in the sanctuary near the Easter candle. Changing of Attitudes. It corresponds to the piety and respect owed to the bodies of the faithful departed who through baptism have become temples of the Holy Spirit (ARC 3). This allows loved ones and the priest to show reverence to the body through things like the Vigil for the Deceased, sprinkling with Holy water, and the symbolic purification with incense smoke. These prayers are a regular part. However, you might wish to offer extra prayers for the persons happy repose. 0000004547 00000 n Some confused Christians have wrongly seen the body as the enemy of the soul. The blessing and distribution of ashes may also take place outside Mass. We live in confidence, knowing that your servant is in your presence. Unlike traditional burials, cremation does not require a coffin or burial plot. According to a recent release of guidelines from the Vatican (as of 10/2016), cremains should never be scattered, kept at home or divided up between family and friends. This link will open in a new window. Living a life dedicated to God makes as much sense as the sunshine in our world. ) During the Mass on Ash Wednesday, are! Ashes or must we preserve them is against cremation we scatter the ashes is placed on stand. This is why the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has issued updated guidelines. H\n0~ of an actual attorney. When is it morally just to pull her feeding tube? The service can be religious or humanist and can include readings, poems and prayers. Some choose to give a small speech and others provide an opportunity to share memories. Here are several prayers to use for your Jewish loved one, many of which are also Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. That funeral Mass could now take place with the ashes present within the Catholic Church maintained a strict ban cremation! Is this acceptable in the Catholic Faith? Heres a summary of all of them. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. For the living know that they will die, says the author of Ecclesiastes (Eccles. You should not scatter ashes after cremation. 4 12 RITE FOR THE BURIAL OF ASHES Prayer of Committal 327 The minister then says the forms. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. If you are one of our rare donors, you have our gratitude and we warmly thank you. 417). In life and in death, peace resides with those who attain their guru.. Many people arent sure what to say when scattering ashes. Make sure that you consider the following questions: If you or the deceased belonged to a specific religious denomination, you may want to speak to a religious leader about how to handle the cremains. I was 'a stranger and you gave me no welcome', Pope Francis: 'We do not have to be perfect', Daily Readings for Tuesday, January 17, 2023, St. Anthony the Abbot: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Act of Hope before Holy Communion #1: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Chenrezig The Practice of Compassion., Supplication for the Deceased at the Funeral Prayer.. For those who have a loved one that chose cremation as part of their final wishes, a spreading ashes ceremony is often a memorable way to say final goodbyes. xb```b`` @1VEB_$Nb*^Id2u'>y5'w^9y"O7`4 aC``m@v20,XNuCZl_J8 dbpK0.0f\QAQXbgZ F endstream endobj 24 0 obj<>/Metadata 21 0 R>> endobj 26 0 obj<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/ExtGState<>>>>> endobj 27 0 obj[/Separation/Black/DeviceCMYK 44 0 R] endobj 28 0 obj<> endobj 29 0 obj<>stream We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal Lets examine the advantages and disadvantages of Catholic cremation and what the Church says about it. I Killed Rasputin, Burial at sea, outside of a cemetery, keeping the cremains at home, or scattering the ashes is not acceptable. 2 Cf. If he was righteous, then increase his reward and if he was wicked, then look over his sins.. Instagram. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. Burying ashes in a cemetery or other location is also a very common choice. This outlook overlaps with pagan ideals and are far from Catholic. 0000011949 00000 n In 2016, the Vatican clarified the Churchs stand on cremation. The simple answer is no. Indeed, you are faithful and truthful. In the old rite, the faithful go up and kneel at the edge of the sanctuary, in a posture of humility, to have the ashes imposed on them from above. As we commit the body (earthly remains) 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. If you belong to a Catholic family or you want to honor a Catholic loved one, you can offer several prayers during a, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall abide in the house of the Lord forever.. Q. Please comfort our hearts as we feel sorrow over our loss of her presence.. These ashes are blessed, because these persons lives were holy, worthy, and meaningful. Ocean waters within that 3-mile limit are governed by individual states, so you'll need to learn your local laws if you would like to bury the cremains closer to shore. What if the laboratory disposes of these ashes? It encourages family members and the whole Christian community to pray for and remember the dead and upholds the relationship between the living and the dead and has opposed any tendency to minimize, or relegate to the purely private sphere, the event of death and the meaning it has for Christians (ARC 3). Can You Scatter Ashes After Cremation In The Catholic Church? We bless your holy name for you have been with us from the time he departed. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. 0000010736 00000 n Like droplets of water are in an ocean wave and the ripples of a stream, I am immersed in the Lord.. We cant change the past, of course, and if you truly didnt realize at that time that it shouldnt be done, then you shouldnt burden yourself with guilt. Additional blessings upon the casket and a recessional will follow the end of the funeral Mass when the pallbearers carry the casket from the church and deliver it into a funeral coachor hearse. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. Does it need to be biodegradable? By choosing cremation the deceased's body is physically altered but it does not prevent the person's soul from entering heaven and it does not prevent the Lord from raising up the deceased body to new life. (no. When a loved one has been cremated, their ashes must be kept intact, the same as one would treat a body. Contrary to Christian Doctrine if the remains are buried in catholic blessing of ashes after cremation ground Father! Offering opportunities to family members for the respectful burial of their loved ones, who were not interred after funeral services and cremation, would give effective witness to the importance of Christian burial and our belief in the resurrection. The Vaticans Decree on Popular Piety and the Liturgy in 2001 describes cremation as a contemporary phenomenon in virtue of the changed circumstances of life.. Saint John Canada Day 2020, Planning a funeral? Burying ashes in a cemetery, for example, means that any family member or friend in the area can visit the grave to pay their respects. xbbbf`b``3 C endstream endobj 132 0 obj<>/ViewerPreferences<>/Metadata 6 0 R/Pages 5 0 R/StructTreeRoot 8 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 133 0 obj<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/Properties<>>>/ExtGState<>>>/Type/Page>> endobj 134 0 obj<> endobj 135 0 obj<> endobj 136 0 obj<> endobj 137 0 obj<> endobj 138 0 obj<>stream Today, the stand of the Catholic Church is as follows (CCC 2301): The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body. This is a text inspired by passages in the Bhagavad Gita that helps mourners place their focus on God. The ashes should not be turned into mementos such as jewelry. In addition, within the Reformed Judaism movement, the choice to cremate is permissible. advice. Cremation took place after the service. Ashes interred in a cemetery will require a burial plot. }n')z i endstream endobj 142 0 obj<> endobj 143 0 obj<>stream The new document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) spells out regulations regarding cremation. However, Cardinal Gerhard Muller, prefect of the congregation, told reporters Oct. 25 that church law had not specified exactly what should be done with cremains, and several bishops conferences asked the congregation to provide guidance. Admit him into the garden, protect him from the punishment of the grave and the torment of the fire., 21. 0000001300 00000 n Cremation. In recent times, however, a number of practical concerns began to arise regarding traditional burials. O God, Creator and Redeemer. 23 0 obj <> endobj xref 23 29 0000000016 00000 n 0000011419 00000 n It is legal to scatter ashes inside national parks in the United States, with some exceptions. Part I: Cremation following the funeral liturgy At the conclusion of the funeral liturgy, the rite of final commendation and farewell take place using the alternate form of the dismissal. What is often overlooked is the Churchs teaching regarding the respect and honor due to the Has the church listened? 0000001684 00000 n This is a fitting reminder that, though they may no longer be with us, your loved one is in a better place. It merely notes the Church is not opposed to it. These are crucial questions, and they deserve Catholic answers. As per the Bible, cremation is not a sin. Others decide to say a prayer. Only a bishop is allowed to authorize exceptions to this storage requirement. He attributes the trend, in part, to the perception that cremation is a less expensive option than full body burial. 0000009365 00000 n Okay, maybe we cant scatter the ashes, you say, so well put Grandmas ashes on the mantle in our home. Though it may be a good sentiment, the Church doesnt permit that either: [T]he conservation of the ashes of the departed in a domestic residence is not permitted. Reasons for this cited by the Catholic Door Ministry present a treasure of Catholic for. Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and Presents 198 blessings underneath everything we see, do and say in our Church: the imposition of ashes can. The accepted method of the Catholic Church for disposing of the ashes is as follows:The remains should be treated with reverence at all times, including when being handled or transported.The ashes should be placed in an urn or other proper container.A stand or table is prepared in the place that is normally occupied by the casket.More items After the Catholic funeral liturgy in the presence of the body, our care for the Containing the ashes is placed on a stand in the sanctuary near Easter To note that nowhere does it state that the bible is against cremation ashes after cremation, the urn the! The problem, the Congregation says, are new age ideas which have taken hold in modern times. The Catholic Church lifted the ban on cremation quite recently in 1963. Sam is a founder and editor of Catholics & Bible. 0000027909 00000 n For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. This permission was incorporated into the revised Code of Canon Law of 1983 (Canon #1176) and into the Order of Christian Funerals. 0000011274 00000 n May know Your forgiveness for their sins. 0000012017 00000 n What Is The Difference Between Catholic And Episcopal? If you've purchased a cremation urn, make sure that it seals securely, and/or the ashes are in a sealed bag inside the urn. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith recently issued updated guidelines regarding what can and cannot be done to the ashes of deceased loved ones. Imposition of ashes after cremation, but only if the remains are buried in the company with the Mary cremation displayed for visitation the funeral Mass could now take place with and. Is now strictly prohibited souls of all our faithful departed in a Vatican interview. The instructions from the Vatican state that; In circumstances when cremation is chosen because of sanitary, economic or social considerations, this choice must never violate the explicitly-stated or the reasonably inferable wishes of the deceased faithful. 5p)'Izy{NbkKBt};])~C3&vs>Nv!Y,D?nYWts{n*]/Hct5;>EvqlZ"O%TurNv~7=dY>TqMPP $ @s' ZBKzV*RIEOgSYjHCx* qddddddddWd7dWd7dWXkZamVy\)Mj{>iq:/s;{:0Puy_ 8 endstream endobj 31 0 obj<> endobj 32 0 obj[43 0 R] endobj 33 0 obj<> endobj 34 0 obj<>stream Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. Tags: Ad resurgendum cum Christo, Cremation, ongregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. One of the guidelines include keeping the ashes intact after cremation. The Catholic Door Ministry present a treasure of Catholic blessings for all Christian needs. Then the cremation of the body takes place. 0000003953 00000 n When cremation takes place before the Funeral Mass, and the diocesan bishop permits the presence of cremated remains at the Funeral Mass, the Appendix provides adapted texts for the Sprinkling with Holy Water, the Dismissal for use at the Funeral Mass (or the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass), and the Committal of Cremated Remains. According to the instruction, if Catholics choose cremation, the ashes of the deceased are to be treated with dignity. Planning the Graveside Service for Burial of Ashes. A. Thus cremation, in and of itself, objectively negates neither the Christian doctrine of the souls immortality nor that of the resurrection of the body. Khalsa, Sant Singh. In all, pastors are encouraged to show pastoral sensitivity, especially to those for whom cremation is the only feasible choice (see Appendix, no. These cremation urns are specifically made to break down in the soil over time, releasing the ashes to mix with the ground. . Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited. 0000001186 00000 n This link will open in a new window. However, some Catholics have not been dealing properly with their loved ones remains. Lord, we pray that those we love. Back to the Main Page Back to the Index of Prayers Catholic Doors Ministry presents 198 BLESSINGS. Visitation the funeral liturgy with cremated remains Paul VI decreed that Catholics can cremated. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me. Psalm 23:4. Sogyal Rinpoche. This is something you can pray as if you are speaking to the person who passed away. Grant to the souls of all our faithful departed in a Vatican News. Kwang-hyun Kim Lee Sang-hee, Some choose to give a small speech and others provide an opportunity to share memories. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall abide in the house of the Lord forever.. You might wish to bring this question to the office of your local bishop the people who assist him might be able to help you find an appropriate place, particularly if the expense is an important factor. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. Ideally, if a family chooses cremation, the cremation would take place at some time after the Funeral Mass, so that there can be an opportunity for the Vigil for the Deceased in the presence of the body (during visitation or viewing at a church or funeral home). Now that we know what we cant do, what can we do? Will you need to pay for the plot where you bury the cremains? An urn containing cremated remains is seen in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery mausoleum in Coram, N.Y., Nov. 2. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit. This link will open in a new window. Does Cremation Occur Before Or After The Funeral Service? Sikhs offer both prayers and hymns during funerals and both are appropriate for a scattering ceremony. This is a reality we all face. Canon 1184.1 no. 0000004452 00000 n All Rights Reserved. That would vary from place to place. The lines of this poem are a promise of rest and peace for the one who has passed away. generalized educational content about wills. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online Buddhism has several prayers for the dead and dying. 0000032192 00000 n For example, it has become increasingly common for people to scatter the ashes in the sea or some place that holds sentimental significance to the family. Learn more with our list of prayers for spreading ashes. Surround them with your love and protection until they are safely restored to you in eternal life where death will be no more. 0000003765 00000 n 0000010041 00000 n Visit the new online stores that offer a very large assortment of religious goods! To dust you shall return . trailer <]>> startxref 0 %%EOF 25 0 obj<>stream It is not fitting to keep the ashes of the faithful departed in a home. subject to our Terms of Use. When traveling by air, be aware that the urn will need to pass through a metal detector. These Over time, the resurrection argument has been refuted. 0000016907 00000 n 4J~597wb*:k{d"D*% 4^Pz4ArHs[HW Nc`h!4z_VR+PD,IN]@B]{Zn The first one is in 1 Samuel 31:12. 0000002382 00000 n Copyright 2019-2023. Purchasing a vault or burial container will add to the cost of the burial. 0000035098 00000 n Although the scene of Tom scattering the ashes of his son Daniel in the movie The Way may have been dramatic cinema, it was not Catholic. A. Bless this urn and bless the soul of our departed loved one whose ashes it will contain. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Cremation is a practical option if ever the deceased lived away from his loved ones. Before 1997, the rules stated that the funeral mass had to occur in the presence of the deceaseds body. HT0. Catholics & Bible do not intend to provide any health related advice. Weve mentioned plenty of rules and restrictions regarding cremation in the Catholic Church. Instead, they should remain in a proper vessel that is interred in a proper place, such as a cemetery or church. Sri Guru Granth Sahib.. Simply put, ashes should not be separated or scattered and they must be contained in an appropriate vessel in an appropriate place like a church or cemetery. Cremation alone costs around $2,000, but the Catholic Church recommends Catholics cremate remains following the deceaseds wake and funeral Mass, which contribute to costs. When a body, or the cremated remains of a body are buried at sea, the Committal prayer found at number 406 4 is used: Lord God, by the power of your Word you stilled the chaos of the primeval seas, you made the raging waters of the Flood subside, and calmed the storm on the sea of Galilee. May we cremate it? The permission was incorporated into the Code of Canon Law in 1983 and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches in 1990. Depending on the cemetery you choose, you may have several options for burial, including a full plot, an urn garden plot, or having the ashes buried in the same plot as an existing grave. They can only be placed at home with the permission of the Bishop. For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because he burned to lime the bones of the king of Edom. Cremated remains can legally be mailed only via the U.S. When, for legitimate motives, cremation of the body has been chosen, the ashes of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place, that is, in a cemetery or, in certain cases, in a church or an area, which has been set aside for this purpose, and so dedicated by the competent ecclesial authority. It may not be who you think. Catholic Cemeteries provide cremation graves for the interment of cremated remains, or the urn can be buried in a family plot. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Let them live with you forever.. Let your eye go to the sun; your life to the wind; by the meritorious acts that you have done, go to heaven, and then [for rebirth] to the earth again; or, resort to the waters, if you feel at home there; remain in the herbs with the bodies you propose to take. Rig-Veda X, 16,3. For these reasons, burning was not considered acceptable treatment of the human body. The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites (no.