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Question Title Posted By Question Date
I received a small urn from my sister in the mail. Anne Monday, July 23, 2018

Question:

She sent this tiny urn, probably no bigger than a salt shaker. Our aunt died, and most of her ashes are buried in a Catholic cemetery. However, my sister had two small urns with her ashes. She gave me one and kept the other one. I did not ask for it. I don't like having ashes around because it hurts to see them.

Purchasing a columbarium space and having it opened and closed could cost a lot, and the urn is so small I don't know if that would really be necessary.

To have anything done with them, I would need to pay a lot of money, which I don't have. She was already cremated and buried. Her ashes are being kept in a cabinet because I don't like seeing them. I would like to have her ashes placed in with me when I go. I thought that maybe putting her in with me would work out.

I hope I am doing the right thing because I hear so often that we are not supposed to keep ashes of loved ones.

I did not ask my sister to do this, but she did it without asking me.



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r), LTh, DD

Dear Anne:

Catholic teaching is that the cremains of a person must be buried and not kept or scattered to the four winds. Your sister is in error in what she has done. It is disrespectful to your aunt.

The best thing to do is to go to the grave of your aunt, whenever you can, dig a small hole, and bury her remains. Your sister needs to do the same.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary


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