As Malta Prepares For Cremation, Archbishop Reminds Catholics How They Should Store Their Ashes
With Parliament set to convene tomorrow to debate the long-awaited introduction of cremation, Archbishop Charles Scicluna has reminded Catholics what Church doctrine dictates about the practice.
Catholic Teaching: “it is not permitted to scatter the ashes of the faithful departed in the air, on land, at sea or in some other way, nor may they be preserved in mementos, pieces of jewellery or other objects” https://t.co/d0Wjstrxb8 https://t.co/3oJd8t3mJH
— Bishop CJ Scicluna (@BishopScicluna) April 9, 2019
While the Church prefers the practice of burials on the grounds that it “shows greater esteem towards the deceased”, it has no problem if cremation is chosen because of sanitary, economic or social considerations. However, this must not violate the express wish of the deceased to be buried.
Malta’s cremation law, spearheaded by Labour MP Rosianne Cutajar, will give people flexibility on how their ashes can be stored post-cremation. For example, one can choose to scatter them in the air or in the sea (so long as isn’t in a swimming zone), plant them in the soil, or store them in an urn at home, a columbarium or another building.
However, the Church is quite strict in this regard, only permitting the storage of ashes in a cemetery or another location that the Church has declared as sacred.
In response, Cutajar said that while Scicluna’s position is applicable for those who wish to follow the teachings of the Roman Catholic faith, the law must envisage other options.
“As a secular state, we are duty-bound to give everyone the freedom to decide,” she said.
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