Record turnout; papal message read out
SHILLONG: Archbishop Dominic Jala will now remain in the hearts of the people.
His mortal remains were laid to rest on Wednesday on the premises of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Laitumkhrah as people paid their last respects to the Catholic leader who passed away in an accident on October 10 in California, USA.
Volunteers on the roadside guided the people – young and old – to make their way to the funeral service at the church. There was no movement of vehicles giving the much needed space on the road leading to the cathedral which usually witnesses traffic humdrum.
mourn during the requiem mass.
Respecting the appeal of the Archbishop’s House and the police, many city residents walked to the church to attend the funeral service.
Church leaders informed that over a lakh attended the funeral making it a record attendance.
Four Archbishops and twelve Bishops were present during the concelebrated requiem mass.
As the church was full with the priests, nuns and some faithful, the remaining crowd filled the premises and the road below. LED screens were also placed at three locations.
Archbishop of Guwahati John Moolachira was the main celebrant of the mass. Among others, Archbishop Thomas D’Souza from Kolkata was also present.
Archbishop Dominic Lumon of Imphal peformed the final commendation before the mortal remains were laid to rest.
Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto, who is the secretary general of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, performed the burial rites.
Bishop Joshua Mar Ignatius, vice president of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and Bishop Victor Lyngdoh of Jowai delivered homily and recalled the contributions of Jala.
After the mass, a condolence message from the Secretary of State, Vatican was read out in English and Khasi which stated that Pope Francis was saddened to learn about the death of Archbishop Jala and sent condolences to the priests and believers.
Speaking at the funeral, brother of the Archbishop, Louise Jala, said, “When we came to know of your death, how our hearts grieved, we were saddened and we started to feel lonely”.
He said late Jala used to visit his mother’s home when he was alive and the family felt safe and secure in his presence.
“He was an elder brother, an uncle and a responsible elder who would be present in times of grief and joy and was ever present in times of difficulties. He never forgot about his family. His death has brought emptiness in our hearts,” Louise said.
He said the words and the examples of the late Archbishop will be imitated by his followers.
He was known to be humble and meek and the goal of the Archbishop was to unite people, he said.
Fr. John Madur, archdiocesan administrator, Shillong, recalled the times he worked with the Archbishop and added that Jala trusted him. However, Madur admitted that there were times he did not live up to the expectations of late Archbishop.
“But he was patient. I lost a teacher, a guide and a friend”, Madur said.
Secretary of the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), Ramengliana appreciated the Archbishop for making an effort to unite different Christian denominations to address the grievances of the Christian community.
He said that the Archbishop had in September invited the NEICC for discussion which was attended by top leaders of the NEICC to seriously discuss issues faced by the Christian churches in India.
Shillong MP Vincent Pala said that the persons involved in bringing back the body of the Archbishop also faced a hurdle when initially they could not find his passport.
He said Jala passed away due to shock suffered in the accident which affected his heart and brain.
He said some Greek books and prayer requests from people were found in his possession.
Pala said the doctors in the US had informed that there will be a change in the appearance of the Archbishop but added that it is a miracle as there was no such change and the doctors in Nazareth Hospital had also checked his body.
“The body was as intact from the time it was kept in the casket in the US,” he said.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said Jala was a man who contributed immensely to the state and was a friend and confidante.
He recalled that when tributes were paid to his late father Purno Sangma in St. Anthony’s College, late Jala compared him with Don Bosco.
“Today that made me think about the similarities the Archbishop shared with Don Bosco who was loved and respected by everyone across different faiths for his service towards everyone”, he said.
Congress leader Mukul Sangma said that Jala was a source of inspiration.
“I have lost a great teacher and a counselor”, Mukul said.
He said the Archbishop contributed much to bring peace along with the government when the state faced difficult times in the past.
Archbishops, Bishops, priests and other religious heads also spoke about the contributions of the late Archbishop.
Later, a crucifix was presented to the family members of Jala followed by the final commendation attended by the Archbishops and the Bishops before the body was laid to rest.
The casket containing the mortal remains was carried from the church and the body was buried in the special grave prepared close to the Cathedral and the burial ground of Fr. Otto Hopfenmüller, the Apostle of Catholic faith to the North East.
At the grave of Jala, faithful paid tributes till Wednesday night.