(ZENIT News / Chicago, 09.19.2024).- In a move that merges faith with environmental consciousness, the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago recently announced the introduction of «green» burials at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine, just northwest of Chicago. This new offering, located in a specially designated section called «The Meadows of St. Kateri,» provides families with a natural burial option that honors both their loved ones and the planet.
Green Burials: A Return to Nature
Green burials, also known as natural burials, forego the use of traditional embalming chemicals, ornate caskets, and outer burial containers. Instead, these eco-friendly burials rely on biodegradable materials and organic fibers, aligning with sustainable practices. The body is laid to rest in a way that facilitates natural decomposition, allowing it to return to the earth with minimal environmental impact. This approach supports the Catholic Church’s teaching on the sanctity of life, respect for creation, and care for the environment.
The one-acre site within the cemetery was named «The Meadows of St. Kateri» after St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American woman canonized by the Catholic Church. Known as the patron saint of ecology, the environment, and Indigenous peoples, St. Kateri’s legacy resonates with the green burial movement, which seeks to preserve nature’s balance.
A Step Towards Sustainability
On September 8, the Archdiocese held an outdoor Mass to bless the new section and provide tours to interested community members. By September 12, the first natural burial had already taken place at The Meadows. A bronze plaque or simple engraved stone will commemorate the name of the deceased, blending subtly into the landscape.
«Green burials are about honoring life’s natural cycle,» said Ted Ratajczyk, director of Catholic Cemeteries for the Archdiocese of Chicago. «We are proud to offer an option that respects the environment while staying true to the Catholic faith’s teachings on human dignity.»
A Growing Movement
The introduction of green burials in the Archdiocese of Chicago reflects a larger, nationwide trend. As more people seek eco-friendly alternatives in various aspects of their lives, burial practices are also evolving. A 2023 report from the Green Burial Council noted that 60% of American consumers expressed interest in environmentally sustainable funeral options, marking an increase from 55.7% in 2021.
This rise in demand isn’t solely driven by ecological concerns—cost is also a significant factor. Green burials can be less expensive than traditional ones, as they eliminate the need for costly embalming, elaborate caskets, and vaults.
First for Illinois, but Not for the Nation
While the Archdiocese of Chicago is the first diocese in Illinois to introduce natural burials, this option has already been adopted in Catholic cemeteries across more than a dozen states. The combination of faith and environmental stewardship is gaining traction as more dioceses seek to offer burial choices that align with the values of conservation and reverence for creation.
The Meadows of St. Kateri is a reflection of the Archdiocese’s commitment to serving the needs of its community while embracing sustainable practices. As green burials continue to rise in popularity, this new option offers Chicago’s Catholic families a meaningful way to say goodbye—one that not only honors their loved ones but also cares for the Earth.
Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.
