Cremation is less costly than a full-body burial, and the trend is not likely to disappear ("Rituals of death change," Aug. 18). But, in my opinion, that does not mean you should not consider burial in a cemetery.
My office is located in a Catholic cemetery, and every day we are visited by genealogists searching for family graves. The Catholic tradition teaches respect for human remains and encourages placement in consecrated ground. More often than not, we are able to assist genealogists with their requests for burial locations. The volume of requests we receive is overwhelming in the summer and fall. Thousands of visitors walk our cemetery grounds in search of ancestors. It is exciting for researchers to find a memorial to a long-departed family member.
The end of the above-referenced article discusses the impact cremation and unmarked graves will have on genealogists. Think about the future. If you enjoy the tranquil beauty and the historical or spiritual significance of cemetery grounds, consider burying your loved one's cremated remains and memorialize their grave. Give them a final resting place where future generations can visit and pay their respects.
Kelly Grimaldi
Historian, Albany Diocesan Cemeteries
Menands