Thousands bid tearful adieu to Archbishop Dominic Jala

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 23, 2019

SHILLONG: Nearly a lakh Catholic faithfuls poured into the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christian, Laitumkhrah on Wednesday to attend the funeral mass of Most Reverend Dominic Jala, the Archbishop of Shillong Archdiocese. 

Jala (68) and Father Mathew Vellankal died in a tragic road accident in California, United States on October 10. He is the second Indian archbishop to die in a car accident abroad. Earlier, Archbishop Alan de Lastic of Delhi died on June 20, 2000, in a car crash in Poland. 

Born on July 12, 1951 at Mawlai, Jala was appointed the Archbishop of Shillong Archdiocese in December 1999. He took charge of the Archdiocese on April 2, 2000. 

At the transfer of Bishop Victor Lyngdoh to the diocese of Jowai in 2016, Archbishop Jala was also appointed the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Nongstoin. 

The coffin containing the body of Archbishop Jala was placed inside the Cathedral before he was laid to rest outside the church. 

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist was led by Most Reverend Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati. It was attended by 3 other Archbishops and 12 Bishops besides family and relatives of the departed religious leader.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma, Shillong MP Vincent H Pala, cabinet ministers and a host of political leaders also attended the funeral to pay their last respect to Archbishop Dominic Jala. 

A serene calm prevailed at the venue as the entire congregation sat with bowed heads and folded hands. Communion to over 65,000 was also given to Catholic parishioners. Emotions ran high as family and relatives bids tearful adieu to Archbishop Jala. 

Condolence messages paying glowing tributes to Archbishop Jala from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Secretary of State, Vatican, Apostolic Nuncio, New Delhi, George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of Syro-Melabar Church, Kerela, and others were also read out during the funeral. 

In his condolence speech, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said the untimely demise of the Archbishop came as a huge shock to the entire state and has left most of us inconsolable. 

“Our State has lost a man who was not only a religious figure but someone who contributed immensely to the State. His Grace served as the Archbishop for almost two decades in the state and his leadership is one of humility, love and compassion. Such an underataking could only be filled by someone like the Most Reverend who also served as a priest for 41 years,” Conrad said.

“The Archbishop’s warm, enthusiastic and approachable personality always made you feel welcomed and completely at ease. He stood firm on the teachings of God and his sermons and talks always encouraged us to be aware and to take responsibility for our actions and decisions to follow God’s teachings in our everyday living. He always seemed to have the right words in difficult times, be it in illness or in the death of a loved one. He was a friend, a confidant and a noble counsellor and in times of our happiness, he took great pride and rejoiced with us in our accomplishments. By remembering and calling us by our names when we interacted with him, he made everyone feel loved and personally known to him and to the Archdiocese family. He inspired everyone with his wise words, always entwining the Gospel into daily life in his homilies. By sharing his personal experiences, he opened our eyes, ears and hearts to the messages of Lord Jesus, encouraging us to serve everyone equally with sincerity, dedication and humility. He had an aura of peace and love, which is shared by everyone who came in contact with him,” he said. 

The chief minister also said the Archbishop shared a close personal relationship with me and my family and was a friend to us when we lost our dear Father. 

“I remember in the tribute ceremony held at St. Anthony’s College, Shillong for our late Father where in his speech the Late Most Reverend compared our father to Don Bosco and 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.

Although this is a sad day for our State, I am filled with gratitude to have known him in this lifetime. May each of us learn from the life and teachings of His Grace,” Conrad said.

Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma said, “Archbishop Dominic Jala is one of the most loved sons of the soil. He was a powerful servant of God and a great source of inspiration for me and in his demise, I have lost a great teacher and a counselor.” 

The rite of commendation was led by Archbishop Dominic Lumon as the body was carried outside the church for burial. 

Before being appointed archbishop, Jala was the Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco of Guwahati Province. He was actively involved in all matters connected with the Church in North East India and CBCI. 

He was a member Secretary of the International Commission for English Liturgy (Washington DC) which translated and brought out the new Text of the Holy Mass of the Catholic Church. 

Since two years, he has been a member of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and Sacraments. From 2012 to 2019 (September), he was the chairman of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC). He was also the chairman of the Liturgical commission of the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India for several years.