Mangaluru: The cremation of prominent Konkani activist Eric Alexander Ozario, who passed away recently, has drawn attention to a little-used option permitted by the Catholic Church since 1963. While burial remains the preferred rite, cremation is allowed under Vatican guidelines, provided the mortal remains are preserved in a sacred place such as a church cemetery and not scattered in natural settings or kept at home.
Vatican guidelines on cremation
The Vatican first permitted cremation in 1963, clarifying that it did not contradict Christian doctrine. In 2016, under Pope Francis, the Church reiterated that cremation was acceptable, though burial was still considered the more traditional choice. However, specific restrictions apply: ashes must be kept intact in cemeteries or designated sacred places, not divided among relatives or scattered in rivers, seas, or other bodies of water.
The guidelines were introduced to balance tradition with changing cultural and economic realities, offering Catholics an alternative to burial while ensuring respect for Christian beliefs about resurrection and eternal life.
Trends in Mangaluru Diocese
According to data from the Diocese of Mangalore, cremation among Catholics has been slowly rising but remains rare. Until 2016, only five individuals within the diocese had opted for cremation. From 2016 to 2025, the number has risen to around 25–30 cases, primarily from parishes within Mangaluru city limits.
Fr JB Saldanha, public relations officer of the Diocese, said that the majority of cremations occurred in parishes such as Milagres Church (7 cases), Valencia (6), Bejai (4), and Bendur (3). He clarified that no such cases have been reported in rural, semi-urban, or town parishes under the diocese.
“Besides, there are faithful who were cremated outside Karnataka or in other countries, but their cremated remains were later brought to their parishes for committal,” Fr Saldanha explained.
Cremation facilities and costs
In Mangaluru, cremation is carried out only at the Boloor facility, where remains are collected the following day for further procedures. Despite its availability, many Catholics continue to opt for traditional burials due to cultural preferences, religious customs, and lack of awareness about cremation as an option.
The cost factor, however, is seen as a key reason for the gradual shift. According to sources, undertakers’ charges for a simple burial package start from ₹25,000, which covers digging the grave, transportation of remains, and related arrangements. A permanent tomb, meanwhile, can cost upwards of ₹3 lakh, making cremation a comparatively more economical alternative.
Online debate over Ozario’s cremation
When news broke that Eric Alexander Ozario would be cremated in accordance with his wish, it sparked conversations and debates online as well as within the Catholic community. While some expressed surprise at the practice, others questioned its permissibility under Church law.
Fr Saldanha confirmed that although cremation is allowed, awareness among Catholics remains low. “The practice is still uncommon because many faithful continue to associate burials with tradition, identity, and family customs,” he noted.
Conclusion
The cremation of Eric Ozario has not only honoured his personal wish but also reignited discussions within the Catholic community in Mangaluru about changing practices in final rites. With cost factors, space constraints, and Vatican permission influencing choices, cremation may gradually see wider acceptance. For now, however, traditional burial remains the predominant practice in the diocese.