Archbishop Dominic Jala’s mortal remains arrive in Shillong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 20, 2019

SHILLONG: The mortal remains of Most Reverend Dominic Jala, Archbishop of Shillong, who died in a tragic car accident in the United States’ California, has finally arrived in Shillong. 

The body of the deceased Archbishop was accompanied by priests, officials of the Catholic Association, Shillong Archdiocese and relatives. 

Chief minister Conrad K Sangma, home minister James K Sangma, health minister AL Hek, state planning board chairman Lambor Malngiang and MLAs also received the mortal remains when it arrived at the Guwahati Airport earlier today. 

His mortal remains was also taken to Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Guwahati where a requiem mass was conducted before it was taken to Shillong. 

On the way to Shillong, the mortal remains was also taken to Byrnihat Parish, Nongpoh Parish, Umsning Parish. Along the way people also lined up to witness the mortal remains of the Archbishop being carried.   

The body will be taken to Mawlai Parish and will also be kept in his parental home, Mawlai Phudmuri for the night.

Acting chancellor of Archbishop’s House, Shillong Father Jimmy Marngar informed that from Monday till the funeral, the mortal remains will be kept in the Cathedral Church for the faithful to pay their homage. 

The funeral of the Archbishop will take place on Wednesday at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Laitumkhrah, Shillong at 1 pm. 

Archbishop Dominic Jala SDP, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong, Meghalaya, and IECL Commissioner of India for many years, died in a car crash in the United States on October 10. The accident occurred in Colusa County, Oakland, California. Salesian Archbishop Jala was 68. 

Archbishop Dominic Jala and Father Mathew Vellankal, who were working in the United States, passed away in a fatal car crash with a semi truck while on the way to Clearlake, California. 

Meanwhile, the Diocese of Jowai which comprises of East and West Jaintia Hills has announced that all catholic schools under its jurisdiction will remain closed on the funeral day as a mark of respect to the Archbishop.