In a first of its kind decision, the Catholic Church in Kerala has decided to set up a permanent crematorium for the believers in Kerala. It will be a gas-based crematorium and cost about 45 lakh rupees.
The foundation stone for the crematorium was laid last week at the campus of Damien Institute under the Thrissur Archdiocese.
There was an objection from laity members as the move was thought to be against the traditional belief of the Church. Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath cleared the apprehensions about the move.
Shortage of land for new cemeteries is one of the reasons for setting up crematoriums.
Earlier cremation was banned by the Vatican for the Catholics. But, the Vatican lifted the ban in 1963. Although the law still requires the ashes to be stored safely in cemeteries and not scattered in sea.
The Church has first allowed the crematorium in Kerala at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in June last year.
In many foreign countries too, crematoriums are now allowed.
Mary Regina, Archdiocese pastoral council secretary, hoped cremation will gain more and more acceptance among the Catholics in Kerala.
Irinjalakkuda diocese in Kerala is also planning to set up a permanent crematorium of its own.
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