Why Can’t Catholics Scatter Their Ashes?

What is a human being? What happens when we die? Why do we visit cemeteries? And why do Catholics bury the dead instead of scattering their ashes?

Today, Fr. Mike connects the dignity of the human person to the dignity of the body in death—and beyond.

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[vangojou]

I go to the cemetery because my son’s human body is there. The body I hugged and loved. Why wouldn’t I want to be close besides praying for his soul in heaven. RIP out sweet Billy.

[Being_Joe]

I try and visit my Wife's grave every week. She was afraid that no one would visit her. The day of her burial I did not feel okay walking away until I made sure she was in the ground and covered. I go to give her updated and to pray for her.

[dfaz]

❤I'm a convert from Prostestant about 30 years and I have to say that I'm eternally grateful that I found the truth. My prayer is that every person be given the grace to see the truth and beauty in univeral Catholic church.❤❤❤

[marymiller]

As a Protestant, I have to say that this cheerful priest does a great job of explaining . He actually is excited about the wisdom he is offering.

[jimtownsend]

My wife and I will be cremated, and our ashes will be in a columbarium in a military cemetery. As Catholics, we consider that ground as consecrated. While I know that no one will visit our "graves", we will still be remembered. And as to scattering, I wouldn't do it, but in my heart I know that God can resurrect us regardless of what happened to our mortal bodies. Those souls lost at sea, those disintegrated by explosion, those of whom no trace can be found will still be raised up by the glory of God, for Whom nothing is impossible.

[MrHoffmannfd]

I'm a funeral director in Chicago. St. Monica said "Do with my body what you wish. All I ask is that you remember me at the altar of God." I serve all faiths and even lack thereof. Personally, I'm Catholic, but believe God has the power to resurrect our bodies wherever they may be.

[frannyleyden]

I love cemeteries, so peaceful, a great place to walk. I always remember this one headstone, it was inscribed;" Think of this as you pass by, as you are now, so once was I. As I am now, you too shall be. Lord pray my friends to follow me.

[evasimecek]

My grandmother always taught me to make the sign of the cross every time I pass a cemetery. She said it was a prayer for the souls in purgatory. I have taught my children to do the same. 🙏

[pkh]

My parents and one brother are buried about a mile from where I USED TO LIVE. Consequently, since my dad died suddenly in 1989 and my mom in 2008, I was able to visit them often. I would place a rose on mom’s grave on her birthday and Mothers Day. Dad was a WWII Vet and his grave always had a flag….flash forward to 2014….my wife and I relocated a thousand miles away. One of the most difficult things about that move is that I no longer can visit the folks. I get home when I can and the first stop I make is at their graves. My grandma taught me to make the Sign of the Cross when I pass a cemetery. I hope someone does that when they pass my parent’s resting place.

[bellatrixmoon]

Thank you…I am Catholic but feeling distant and alone and struggling in my faith. Your posts give much clarity and fill me with hope. Thank you.

[angelalefeber]

As a Catholic cemetery Office Manager I greatly appreciate your sharing of your knowledge and wisdom on this subject!

[jo-annewinmill]

I'm not religious but part of me found peace in this

[andreagutierrez]

Father Mike’s ministry is awesome!! I’m becoming a more faithful Catholic because of him.

[alyssagula]

Here in the Philippines we do not celebrate Halloween instead we visit our cemeteries and pray for our beloved departed ones during Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. It's our tradition here in our country. Families gather and celebrate at the cemetery reliving memories we had of our departed loved ones.

[stephenchristian]

As a kid I always was taken by my grandparents to visit my family's gone by, it really laid a foundation for my faith & belief in the spirit. Not to mention i could know those I never met it was profound wonderful beautiful, thanks grandma grandpa

[bernadettecorpuz]

I felt good hearing this Fr Mike.
Almost every week, I visit my son's grave, offer him flowers and light up a candle. Clean up his space and cut the grass too.

Thanks for this Fr Mike.
I will be more inspired and encouraged to visit my son's graveyard.
What a beautiful teaching of giving respect to our departed love ones.
God bless you Fr Mike. What a Gift of Wisdom you have.

[peggybarton]

Thank you, Father Mike. You will probably have me excommunicated; I'm on my way out and have asked my family to have my body cremated and to scatter my ashes in a forest. God created forests and those places must truly be truly blessed by Him. I don't want to put my family through a funeral or tie them to a grave. The
deer, the rabbits and me....it might not be doctrine, but it gives me peace. God bless you!!

[joandondero]

I’m a senior woman, & I recently bought my own tombstone in a Roman Catholic cemetery that was purchased by my parents in my home town in central northeastern PA. My stone is next to my teenage son, who is right next to my folks. I pray that someday we’ll be risen up together, along with my other relatives buried there. And also in another cemetery up the “road apiece”. I’m a believer! 🙏🏼

[berniedesroches]

My wife was cremated and her ashes scattered on the lake where we spent so many happy summers.
When I pass, my ashes will join hers . It is my prayer that I will join her again inn the spiritual sense

[cy]

Thank you, Father Mike. I have had this conversation several times with my husband. I hope he will bury his parents ashes, instead of spreading them as he wants. I encouraged him at least twice to watch this video. Please pray for him. 🙏