29/10/2025
CATHOLICS ARE FORBIDDEN FROM KEEPING ASHES OF CREMATED LOVED ONES
Are Catholics permitted to keep the ashes of their loved ones in cremation? Today, we observe All Souls' Day, a time for us Catholics to pray for the souls of the departed so they may attain eternal happiness in Heaven. Regarding the handling of ashes, some people choose to keep them in urns or display containers, while others scatter them in meaningful places like gardens or favorite spots. Creative options include mixing ashes with clay, concrete, or paint for art projects, incorporating them into building materials, pressing them into vinyl for music memorabilia, or transforming them into fireworks or jewelry. However, due to concerns raised by the Vatican amid the rise of cremation during COVID-19, Catholics are advised against keeping ashes at home, scattering them, dividing them among family members, or turning them into keepsakes. Instead, ashes should be kept in a sacred place, such as a cemetery, church, or a designated site, as home storage is not permitted.