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“Green” Burial in the Catholic Tradition, Continued

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Varied species of wildflowers fill the two “Green” Burial in acres of the Natural / Green Burial Site at Maryrest Cemetery and Mausoleum the Catholic Tradition in Mahwah, New Jersey. — by Maria Margiotta Before the development of chemical It seems that natural burial is an ideal Additionally, demand for green buri - embalming, metal-lined caskets, or way to honor our Catholic faith in als among surveyed cemeteries pro - cement burial vaults, there was sim - the Resurrection and the cycle of viding the service has increased by 72 ply a shroud and a hole in ground… death and rebirth. In choosing this percent, according to a 2015 survey a burial tradition that humankind option, we are committing our bodies by the Green Burial Council, and embraced for thousands of years. to the earth in the purest way, free of “Baby Boomers” (born 1946-1964) Such was the way Catholics honored preservatives, metal or concrete. Not are the generation most interested in their loved ones throughout much of only is it a return to burial traditions natural burial. the Church’s history, respecting the of the past, but it also may be a state - Biblical tenets of “ashes to ashes, dust ment of personal values for those Following requests from Catholics to dust.” who wish to minimize their impact or seeking a green burial option, “carbon footprint” on the environment. Catholic Cemeteries of the Today, a natural or “green” burial Archdiocese of Newark dedicated a process of returning one’s remains to Similar to the concept of eco-friendly two-acre site at Maryrest Cemetery the earth as directly and as simply as attitudes toward most consumer and Mausoleum in Mahwah, New possible is chosen by an increasing products and services, natural burial Jersey, as a “Natural/Green” resting number of Americans. For some, it preferences are a reflection of today’s place in 2010. The wildflower-filled may be a spiritually-fulfilling alterna - eco-consciousness among Americans. meadow was part of an extensive tive to traditional interment or crema - cemetery expansion that included tion. Perhaps it places greater empha - Green burials are expected to grow in new mausoleums and a chapel. It was sis on our corporeal existence – our popularity in the U.S. According to a one of the first Catholic cemeteries in life as part of God’s creation, and not 2015 survey by the Funeral and the state to set aside land for eco- apart from it as we give ourselves Memorial Information Council, 64 friendly interments. back completely to God’s earth and percent of respondents indicated an quickly return to dust. After all, Jesus interest in green funerals, up from 43 continued on page 12 was laid to rest in a shroud in a tomb percent in 2010. of rock. Catholic Cemetery, July 2016 11 “Green” Burial in the Catholic Tradition, continued educate high school students about the many aspects of a Catholic ceme - tery while also providing appropriate shelter for the many species of birds living in the area. Later, students and their families return to see their bird - houses occupied by local wildlife and enjoy the cemetery’s natural beauty. The natural burial section also fea - tures boulder memorialization to keep the area free of manufactured materials, such as headstones and meandering visitation pathways made of crushed stone, to help keep the plant and animal life thriving and undisturbed. Nearby, a beautiful Amish wooden gazebo (below) is available for committal services, and a life-sized statue of Saint Francis of Assisi (at left) , the patron saint of The Natural/Green Burial Site at Maryrest Cemetery and Mausoleum features ecology, taming a wild wolf is perched memorialized birdhouses built by visiting high school students and a life-sized atop an enormous boulder, safeguard - statue of Saint Francis of Assisi taming a wild wolf perched atop an enormous ing the animals, plants and natural boulder overlooking the wildflower-filled meadow. surroundings. For individuals who request a natural To date, 35 Catholics are interred in wildflowers and plant life create a burial, the Archdiocese offers three this space, which is free from burial peaceful and serene setting for prayer levels of green interment options: containers, vaults, headstones, and and reflection.” Light Green for those who prefer decorations. To help foster a natural habitat for a biodegradable casket, some type “The natural burial section at wildlife, the Archdiocese staff planted of memorialization and natural Maryrest offers families a beautiful approximately 5,000 trees, 2,500 embalming fluids; space to remember a loved one in an shrubs, and numerous native grasses Medium Green for those who prefer undisturbed setting,” said Andrew P. and plants, such as arrowwood vibur - a biodegradable casket with memori - Schafer, K.H.S., CCCE, Executive num, pagoda dogwood and alization on one of the nearby boul - Director of Catholic Cemeteries. spicebush. Additionally, Catholic ders; and, “When family members visit, they Cemeteries, in partnership with the find a place filled with life and beau - Archdiocese of Newark’s Catholic Dark Green for those who prefer a ty. Wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and Youth Organization, created a bird - simple shroud. birds live in the meadow, and vibrant house building program to help “It is a choice that families are exam - ining,” said Schafer. “Unlike a tradi - tional burial or cremation, this option has the least impact on the environ - ment and is simply a natural way of returning to the earth. For Catholics especially, it can be an expression of profound reverence for the body and the sacredness of life, a deep respect for the integrity of cre - ation and God’s good earth, and of course, it emulates the most famous burial of all.” Y 12 Catholic Cemetery, July 2016.
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