“Green Burial in the Catholic Tradition”
(as published in the July issue of Catholic Cemetery magazine – reprinted with permission)
Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark is pleased to present New Jersey’s first Catholic Natural/Green Burial Section at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ.
The wild flowers and naturally occurring flora create a peaceful and serene setting for our Catholic families who prefer an eco-friendly memorial or for those who may want an alternative to cremation.
The Natural Burial Section has been developed to accommodate three types of green burial:
- Dark Green – for those who prefer to be buried in a burial shroud.
- Medium Green – for those who prefer a natural biodegradable casket with memorialization.
- Light Green – for those who prefer a natural biodegradable casket, memorialization, and embalming using natural embalming fluids.
The Natural Burial Section at Maryrest offers families a “Living Memorial” in an undisturbed setting. Boulder memorialization is utilized to keep this area free of manufactured headstones. Pathway visitation is used to keep the plant and animal life thriving and undisturbed.
Also, a beautiful rustic Amish Gazebo, suitable for committal services, overlooks the entire area.
As a final touch to this unique section, a life sized statue of St. Francis taming a wild wolf stands facing this beautiful sanctuary.
For more information or for a free tour of the Natural/Green Burial Section, please stop by or call us at (888) 489-9095.
