THRISSUR (UCAN): Breaking a centuries-old tradition, the Eastern-rite Syro-Malabar Church allowed cremation of Catholics who have died from of the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) at any place of convenience, including private land.
“Catholics who die of Covid-19 can be cremated and the ashes will have to be buried in the respective parish cemeteries,” said a June 13 circular issued by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of the Archdiocese of Trichur (Thrissur), in Kerala, India.
Although cremation is allowed in the Catholic Church, the move surprised many members the Syro-Malabar rite which traces its apostolic tradition to St. Thomas. In its long history, it has so far not allowed cremation, which has been seen as a Hindu practice.
The move comes as burials have become nearly impossible in most parish cemeteries following the government’s Covid-19 protocols.
Shortage of space has forced many church cemeteries to use wall-mounted vaults, while the government wants bodies to be buried at a minimum depth of three metres.
Archbishop Thazhath said bodies of Covid-19 victims could also be buried on parish land outside cemeteries and, if that was not possible, on private land.
However, the remains of those buried outside cemeteries should be moved to their parish cemeteries after two years. Those cremating bodies should also bury the ashes in the parish cemetery, it added.
“Catechism of the Catholic Church allows cremation if it does not challenge the premise of the resurrection of the body,” the archbishop said.
Bishop Pauly Kannookadan of the Diocese of Irinjalakuda, in neighbouring Truchur, said the Church encourages burial but under “emergencies like a global pandemic” cremation can be permitted as it is “not against the teachings of the Church.”
Explaining that cremation is an already accepted form of body disposal, the bishop said, “There was no discussion about it on the Syro-Malabar Synod or among other bishops as it is not a new thing to be introduced.” he said,
Bishop Kannookadan explained, “The Church does not prohibit cremation unless it was chosen contrary to Christian doctrines.”
Father Antony Thalachelloor, spokesperson of the Syro-Malabar Synod, said, “It is true some of our people might find it something very odd. But this is not going to be a regular practice. It ensures the safety and security of people at a critical time.”
Oswald Cardinal Gracias of Mumbai had allowed cremation of Covid-19 victims in his Latin-rite archdiocese two months ago.
Kerala has recorded 2,622 Covid-19 cases and 20 deaths, but cases are surging across India with more 367,000 cases and some 12,000 deaths as of June 18.
