Catholic Church leaders in the Philippines are urging families not to keep cremated remains, including urns or ashes, at home during the Undas season. In multiple statements ahead of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, they say cremated remains should be interred in a sacred place such as a cemetery, mausoleum, or columbarium, where people can pray and remember together.
The Inquirer and Philstar reports emphasize different sources within the Church’s guidance. Inquirer highlights reminders from a bishop and the Archdiocese of Manila, referring to liturgical guidelines that discourage permanent home placement and family altars. Philstar frames similar cautions in terms of what people should not do, including keeping ashes at home or wearing cremated remains in necklaces and jewelry. Another Philstar item specifically features comments from Manila Cathedral’s vice rector discouraging bringing urns home for Undas.
