Shillong: Thousands of people gathered at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christian, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya at around 1 pm today to pay their last respects at the state funeral accorded to Archbishop Dominic Jala. The Holy Mass was led by Archbishop of Guwahati, Rev John Moolachria
Archbishop Jala, 68, died in a car accident in California on October 11 (October 10 local time). His mortal remains arrived here on Sunday. Fr Paulson Mundanmani, from Oakland Diocese, brought, Rev Jala’s mortal remains to Shillong.
Condolences from the Vatican, and other parishes and archdioceses across the country were also read during the Mass.
The mortal remains of Shillong Archbishop, Late Rev Dominic Jala was brought to the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Laitumkhrah on Monday morning. The mortal remains of Jala reached Guwahati on Oct 20 in the afternoon and was received by his family members and Catholic faithful from across the State from Guwahati Airport. Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma and other members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly were also present to receive the mortal remains of Jala.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mourned the passing away of Rev. Domnic Jala. In a tweet he expressed deep sadness at the passing away of archbishop, “Anguished by the passing away of Most Rev. Dominic Jala, the Archbishop of Shillong. He will be remembered for his impeccable service to society and passion towards Meghalaya’s progress. May his soul rest in peace.”
The humble community at Sacred Heart Church Neotan, one of the remote villages in the northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, came together to pay respect and pray for Archbishop Dominic Jala on day of his funeral service.
Archbishop Jala was born on July 12, 1951, at Mawlai. He was appointed as Archbishop of Shillong on December 22, 1999, and ordained as Archbishop on April 2, 2000. He was also the President of the North East India Regional Bishop’s Council (NEIRBC).
You can watch the video below. Courtesy The NorthEast Today.