Cremation

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As we watch the Kennedy tragedy playout, we are puzzled that cremated ashes were distributed over the sea. I (and a number of my friends) were under the impression that, while cremation is now allowed in the Catholic Church, the remains are supposed to be interred in a cemetary. Please shed some light. Thanks W.T. Booker

-- W.T. Booker (winstonbooker@sprintmail.com), July 22, 1999

Answers

That's correct! But then not everyone follows the rules of the Church. I wondered why no Funeral Mass with the body present or at least the cremated remains present in the church? A memorial Mass is usually for when there is no body or when the funeral Mass has taken place somewhere else. ( in another town or country)

Br. Rich S.F.O.

-- Br. Rich S.F.O. (repsfo@prodigy.net), July 22, 1999.


speaking with my dearest friend a nun who is a Canon lawyer she felt the wisdom of burial at sea reflects the not having another physical place for an icon. Lady Di's situation has taught us something. +Peace+

-- jean bouchardRC (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), July 23, 1999.

I would respectfully dissent from Jean's position. The Kennedys have never been known for their faithfulness to the Catholic Church. Alas, even in the death of their loved ones they find ways to flaunt their waywardness.

-- David Palm (djpalm64@yahoo.com), July 23, 1999.

I must note that yesterday I was told that there was a Funeral Mass with the body the evening before, At St. Thomas. I'm not certain of this but that is what I was told. Burial at see is acceptable by the Church for good reasons and I do think Sr. has a point. Look at what happened at his apartment and place of business. It's the scattering of the ashes that I think is discouraged by the Church they are to be "interred" intact, the bottom of the sea is ok for this. But then again we really didn't see what went on out there? Maybe a sealed stone urn was cast into the sea?

Br. Rich S.F.O.

-- Br. Rich S.F.O. (repsfo@prodigy.net), July 23, 1999.


Where can I find out for sure that creamtion has been okayed by the Catholic church ??

-- steven case (casesteve@yahoo.com), July 23, 1999.


It's in the Catechism #2301 and Canon Law #1176:3 and 1184:1

-- Br. Rich S.F.O. (repsfo@prodigy.net), July 23, 1999.

And that was burial at sea not see. To be buried in your See you would have to be a Bishop.

-- Br. Rich S.F.O. (repsfo@prodigy.net), July 23, 1999.

Br. Rich - Thank you clarifying the distribution of the ashes for like others I was very uncomfortable with that. It spoke to me reflections of Hindu. +Peace+

-- jean bouchardRC (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), July 23, 1999.

David - If I may when referring to ICON it was not the view of one of religion rather adoration to a false hope in the Kennedy family. +Peace+

-- jean bouchardRC (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), July 23, 1999.

The ashes were not interred in an urn; they were sprinkled on the water. News anchor Dan Rather, an eyewitness, spoke of them "fluttering" down.

I understood what you meant, Jean. It's just that the Kennedys have always sought to present this very religious, very Catholic face to the American public while at the same time flaunting the Church's teachings in both their politics and private lives. Ted Kennedy has, of course, incurred automatic excommunication (i.e. he has excommunicated himself) through his public support of abortion.

Hey, I'm off topic so I'll just shut up.

-- David Palm (djpalm64@yahoo.com), July 23, 1999.



Oh no David do not hang up continue on.+Peace+

-- jean bouchardRC (jeanb@cwk.imag.net), July 23, 1999.

Dear David, I'm glad you and Ted Kennedy are such good friends that you know what's in his heart and soul. Who's to say who's a good catholic or not? The Kennedy's gave something to the US that hasn't been given in a lot of years. It's called hope. Maybe you had to live there to know what I'm talking about or maybe you're a republican? Church or not, I'm glad they scattered his ashes at sea because that was the one place that even a Kennedy could find peace. Had they just dumped the urn, someone was sure to dive down and retrieve it for monetary purposes. While you were at it, why didn't you mention the birth control pills of his wife that washed up on shore? Maybe she didn't want to get pregnant or maybe she had menstral problems for which this is the solution (and the only one available). In any case, what the Kennedy's do is between them and God and gossip is a terrible thing. Perhaps the priest who still gives Ted Kennedy communion would be in a better position to give the facts on him. No ordinary family could survive the microscopic inspection that the Kennedy has had to deal with over the years. Instead of all the negativity why not say a prayer for those who died that day at sea? Ellen

-- Ellen K. Hornby (dkh@canada.com), August 27, 1999.

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