Archbishop Jala laid to rest in Shillong

Hundreds of people from across Meghalaya bade a tearful adieu to Archbishop Dominic Jala here on Wednesday, recalling his dedication and service to the church and the society as a whole.

The funeral of the head of Shillong Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church was held two weeks after he died in a car accident at Colusa County, Oakland in California on October 10 (October 11 as per Indian time).

A priest from Kerala, Father Mathew Vellankal, who served at St. Bonaventure, Concord in California, died along with the Archbishop.

Father Joseph Parekkatt of St. Anne Parish in Walnut Creek, US, who was seriously injured, remains stable.

Former Union Minister K.J. Alphons laid the wreath on the casket containing the body of Archbishop Jala on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his council of ministers, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma and several political leaders attended the Requiem Mass at the at the Cathedral Church of Mary Help of Christ, Laitumkhrah.

Guwahati's Archbishop and President of the North East India Bishop Conference, Most Rev John Moolachira was the main celebrant of the Requiem Mass in the presence of other 15 Archbishops and Bishops from the Northeast and other dioceses in India.

Nearly one lakh people came to pray and bid adieu to Archbishop Jala.

After the religious rituals ceremony, Archbishop Jala was laid to rest in a grave close to the Cathedral Church.

The Catholic Church also presented a Crucifix to the family members of the Archbishop.

( With inputs from IANS )