Sanctuario del Buen Consejo Columbaria
Throughout the centuries, the Church has upheld the sacred tradition of burying the faithful within consecrated grounds. In 1963, the Church permitted the practice of cremation, a provision later affirmed in the Code of Canon Law (Canon 1176) and in the Order of Christian Funerals. The customary practice now includes the celebration of the funeral liturgy with the body present, followed by cremation thereafter.
The term columbarium—derived from the Latin columba, meaning “dove”—refers to a collection of niches designed to hold urns containing the cremated remains of the faithful departed. It serves as a dignified and sacred resting place, symbolizing peace and the hope of resurrection, within the shadow of the Church.
From the early Christians who laid their loved ones to rest in the catacombs and churchyards of Rome, to the faithful of today, the desire to be buried near the house of God remains deeply rooted in Christian tradition. The columbarium revives this ancient practice, allowing the remains of the departed to be kept within the Church’s embrace.
To continue this tradition in our time, Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Parish has established a beautifully designed columbarium beside the church. It offers a serene and reverent setting for the cremated remains of parishioners and friends who have loved and served within our community.
The Columbarium is open to all. Niches may be reserved in advance or acquired at the time of need, providing families the comfort of knowing their loved ones rest in a place of prayer, peace, and perpetual remembrance.
PRAYER
Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
We pray in hope for our family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.
God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.
In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen.