You certainly could, and I would imagine the vast majority of charity was sent in that direction. Some chose to use part of these earthly baubles to venerate others so that their good lives were not forgotten and could be exemplified for generations through the displays.
And as I said before, veneration is reserved for Jesus not saints or martyred saints. I am a saint in God’s eyes because of what Christ did and because I believe in His sacrifice for me.
Do you think Christ will look kindly on those who chose to use their wealth for a display such as this while the poor sitting in the pew behind them lacked food or clothing or decent shelter?
We are to treat the body of a dead person with care and give it a proper burial but that is as far as we are to take it. The living are so much more important. Truly, they are.
God bless,
Jodyel