Must the body or cremated remains be present at a Catholic funeral?
The short answer
No, but it is good for the remains to be present if possible so they can be blessed. If they are not present at a funeral Mass, the Mass offered is a memorial Mass.
Not required
The remains need not be present.
Better if possible
It is good to have them present when possible, because they can then be blessed.
A memorial Mass
If the remains are not present at the funeral Mass, the Mass offered is a memorial Mass.
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