A New Place for Cremation Ashes in Church
Some Catholic churches in the Philippines have found a new source of income to supplement the weekly offerings of their parishioners. They have established a columbarium. A columbarium or columbary as it is locally called is “a structure of vaults lined with recesses for cinerary urns” (those holding a deceased's cremated remains). Each niche can hold a number of cremation urns (up to 4). The niche faceplate, in granite, glass or brass, usually has an inscription engraved upon it with name, date of birth and date of death of the deceased.