While the practice of cremation is gaining popularity in the Philippines, most Filipinos prefer to bury their dead the traditional way. (Photo by Basilio Sepe)
The cremation of the dead is gaining popularity in the Philippines, especially among rich Catholics, although traditional burial remains the preferred practice of most Filipino families.
Days before the observance of All Souls' Day, a holiday in the predominantly Catholic country, church leaders reminded Filipinos to always follow church teachings in honoring the dead.
Father Roy Bellen of Manila Archdiocese's communication office said while the church allows cremation "basic Christian tenets should not be compromised."
The Vatican this week releases a new instruction on the burial of the dead and on the conservation of the ashes in cases of cremation.
The church continues to recommend that bodies of the deceased be buried in cemeteries or other sacred places.
Catholics are also reminded that ashes of those cremated should not be kept in private homes and that the scattering of ashes on land or at sea is not permitted.
Father Bellen, however, said cremation is only being practiced in the Philippines by "those who can afford it" because it still costs more than a traditional burial.
The poor still bury their dead, said the priest, adding that they can even rent coffins for the funeral. Some politicians also provide free coffins to poor families.
The priest said keeping the ashes of the dead at home prevents those left behind from moving on.
"How can the process of letting go start when the urn is still there at home? You have to let go and move on with your life," said Father Bellen.
In a statement, the Catholic bishops' conference said the church allows cremation "unless it has been chosen for reasons contrary to Christian teaching."
The church holds that the cremated remains of the body be treated with the same respect that the body was treated prior to cremation, including the use of a "worthy urn."
The Episcopal Commission on Liturgy of the bishops' conference also urged the faithful to cremate the body of the dead immediately after or before a funeral Mass.
"While cremation is taking place, the family and friends of the deceased are encouraged to gather in prayer," read an instruction from the commission.
As an additional guideline, church leaders recommended that columbaria be built in a separate chapel adjacent to a church or in a crypt.