The Bishop of Elphin says new catholic church guidelines on cremation are about helping people grieve and not condemnation.
The Vatican announced yesterday that Catholics may be cremated but should not have their ashes scattered or kept in urns at home.
Instead the church wants cremated remains to be kept in what it describes as a sacred place such as a church cemetery.
A two-page instruction issuing new rules on cremation also said that there were even some cases where a Christian funeral could be denied to those who request that ashes be scattered.
The catholic church has allowed cremations since 1963 but has always been of the opinion that the burial of deceased bodies should be the norm.
Speaking to Ocean FM this morning Bishop Kevin Doran wanted to assure people that the new guidelines are about looking forward.
