Cremation and the church/Paschal candle

Q  What does the church say about cremation?

A The Catechism of the Catholic Church states “The church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body” (CCC 2301).  The Catholic Church still has a preference for burial over cremation, but in 1963 it removed its longstanding prohibition against it.  
Burial is preferred because we look forward to the resurrection of the body and the life of the world to come, and we believe in the dignity of the human body which was created in the image and likeness of God.  Burying the dead is a corporal act of mercy and mirrors the burial of Christ after his crucifixion and death.
Cremation does not constitute a denial of the immortality of the soul or the resurrection of the body.  That is why it is allowed, as long as the cremains are treated with respect and dignity and laid to rest in a sacred place, such as a cemetery or in an area that has been set aside for this purpose (called a columbarium).  When the final resting place is in a public place, it is an expression that the deceased is part of the “communion of saints.”  
Ashes are not to be scattered in the air, on land, at sea, nor may they be preserved in pieces of jewelry or other objects.    They must be kept intact in a proper vessel.  In 2016, Cardinal Gerhard Muller, the then prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith, stated “A human cadaver is not trash” and an anonymous burial or scattering of ashes “is not compatible with the Christian faith.”  If ashes have already been scattered, he suggests making a memorial in a church or other appropriate place, including the name of the deceased.  
Keeping ashes at home is also not permitted.  Cardinal Muller stated that keeping ashes at home, although a sign of love and grief, fails to understand that the loved one belonged to the entire community of faith, not just close relatives.         
Q What is that big candle close to the altar?  And, why is it not lit?

A That big candle is called the “paschal candle” or sometimes the “Easter Candle.”  According to F.C. Ziegler, the author of  “The Paschal Candle: Everything You Need to Know,” these candles are made of beeswax to represent the purity of Christ. The wick signifies Christ’s humanity, and the flame his divine nature.  It is adorned with Christian symbols.  Our candle at Immaculate Conception has the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet – Alpha and Omega (Α and Ω) – signifying that Jesus is the beginning and the end; a cross with five white wax nails signifying the five wounds of Christ; and the current year (2022).  
Each year a new paschal candle is lit from the Easter fire at the start of the Easter Vigil Mass.  The previous year’s candle cannot be reused.  According to the Committee on Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: “The paschal candle must be new each year and receive its blessing at the Paschal Vigil.  “Paschale Sollemnitatis,” the 1988 Circular Letter concerning the preparation and celebration of the Easter feasts, states that the paschal candle must be renewed each year. This does not mean the old candle must be thrown away. 
Most suppliers of candles accept the return of used candles (and will sometimes even offer a discount for the exchange). These suppliers will then recycle the wax to produce new candles. If, for some reason, a parish is unable to recycle the candle wax, then the old paschal candle, as a blessed object (a sacramental) must be appropriately disposed of.  This could involve burning the candle in a devotional manner (privately as opposed to publicly and liturgically) or even burying the candle in blessed ground.  Candles are made to be burned, however, and it is better to find a way either to recycle or burn the wax.” 
The paschal candle is lit during all liturgical services during the Easter season and for all baptisms and funerals during the year.  At all baptisms, a candle is lit from the paschal candle and given to the family indicating the newly baptized person has now been enlightened by Christ.