SHIILONG/GUWAHATI: The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) on Tuesday condoled the death of Archbishop Dominic Jala.
“It was shocking to learn about the sudden `home-call’ of our dear Archbishop Dominic Jala, who was closely associated with the YMCA, Shillong, right from the time he was the Provincial of the Province of Guwahati. We had worked closely with him, in the Bosco reach-out programmes in which financial assistance was provided to various centres in North East wherein the YMCA too worked on its projects “SKIP” (Skill for Progress),” the association said in a statement.
Recalling the time spent with the Archbishop, the association said that it cannot forget the times shared with him both in Guwahati and Shillong.
“Those close associations we have had with him, have revealed the wonderful qualities and disposition of a committed Christian. His selfless work for the Lord, as we experienced during the various programmes and sessions, has been a source of inspiration and a call to each one of us to a bold and honest reappraisal of our lifestyle, our priorities and objectives. He was always cheerful, kind and simple with a gifted mind and a missionary spirit,” the YMCA said.
His love and concern for the YMCA along with his contribution has been tremendous. Though the association is grief-stricken at this moment, yet it knows that the Master has picked him for higher service.
The association prayed for his soul to find eternal rest in Heaven.
A Central Puja Committee delegation comprising Naba Bhattacharjee, president, general secretary JL Das and other senior officials visited the Shillong Archdiocese and paid floral tributes and placed a wreath on the coffin of Jala.
The CPC delegation was invited to the visitors room where Bhattacharjee handed over a condolence message to Fr. John Madur, Chancellor of the Shillong Diocesan.
MLAs condole
Meanwhile, Nongpoh MLA Mayral Born Syiem has condoled the demise of Jala saying that the great spiritual leader’s passing away is a huge loss to the Archdiocese of Shillong and Meghalaya.
In a condolence message addressed to Rev Father John Madur, archdiocesan administrator, Shillong, Syiem recalled the contributions of Jala and appreciated his leadership in Church and society during his tenure. “He was known for his contributions to nurturing grassroots ecumenism and spiritual values, mission and evangelism. As a religious leader and educator he was a proponent of religious harmony, peace and reconciliation in our state. He has left his good and valuable footprint in our society in various fields. I personally feel that he is a person with humility, down to earth, humble and a true disciple of God,” the MLA wrote in the condolence letter. “On behalf of the people of Nongpoh, I express my condolences to the bereaved family of Most Rev. Dominic Jala, members of the Salesian Congregation, all faithful of Shillong Archdiocese, his friends and close associates. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come,” he said.
Mylliem MLA Hamlet Dohling has also condoled the Archbishop’s death saying that it is a sad day for the people of the state as a whole as it lost one of the distinguished and prominent spiritual leaders.
“I am shocked and sad to hear the sudden demise of His Grace Most Reverend Dominic Jala S.D.B (68) Archbishop of Shillong in a car accident at Colusa County, Oakland, California, USA,” the MLA said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said that Jala rose to one of the highest hierarchy of the Catholic denomination which shows his caliber and dedication as he was the second amongst the tribals to reach such a position. He was known for his love, simplicity and dedicated service for the people. He rendered yeoman service to people of the state in terms of spiritual upliftment, education and peace and tranquility of the people of the state as a whole.
“His sudden demise left a great vacuum to the people of the state which is irreparable loss for the state. He was a man of principle, soft spoken and full of love who had dedicated his entire life for the service of the people. We lost a great spiritual leader of the state. In this hour of grief, I express my deepest condolence and pray that God almighty will give courage and strength to the faithful. May his soul rest in peace,” Dohling said.
Guv visits cathedral
Later, Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy visited the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians to pay tribute to Jala.
