MANGALORE, March 11 : The Commission for Laity, Mangalore Diocese organised a get together of Covid -19 funeral undertakers who relentlessly worked during the pandemic was arranged at St Anthony’s Ashram on February 27, 2022. 17 Funeral undertakers took part in the get together.
V Rev Fr Joseph Martis, the diocesan coordinator of the Pastoral Commissions was the chief guest. He appreciated the courage of the undertakers for risking their life during the pandemic and serving the diocese. As a token of appreciation he offered them flowers to all the undertakers.
Mr Naveil Noronha, Jeppu and Mr Lukas D Souza, Permannur shared their experiences. They said that as they began to bury the dead bodies of infected Covid-19, they and their families were scared. It was the guidelines of the diocese and the encouragement of the commission for Laity, they could undertake the sacred work of burying the dead. They recalled the service of Mr Roy Castelino and Mr Louis J. Pinto.
In his introductory speech, Fr J B Crasta recalled the anxiety and misunderstanding that prevailed among the people in the early days of Covid-19 deaths in Dakshina Kannada district. He also thanked the Bishop Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha and Rev. Fr Vijay Machado, the director of DBCLC for their timely guidelines and encouragements.
A short video clip on the burial work of the undertakers was presented during the meeting. The programme began with prayer led by Rev. Fr Onil D Souza, the director of St Anthony Ashram. Rev. Fr J B Crasta welcomed the gathering and Rev. Fr Larry Pinto proposed the vote of thanks. The get together was concluded with lunch.
