By Matters India Reporter
Shillong, October 13, 2019: Vicar General Father John Madur was elected as the diocesan administrator following the death of Archbishop Dominic Jala.
According to church practice, after a death of a diocesan head, his consulters elect a priest as the diocesan administrator, until Vatican appoints a new bishop.
Archbishop Jala was traveling to Clearlake in California along with Fathers Mathew Vellankal and Joseph Parekkatt, two Indian priests working in the United States.
Father Vellankal, who was driving, and Archbishop Jala who was on the front seat died on the spot on October 11, while Parekkatt suffered serious wounds and admitted to a hospital.
Reports from Salesian sources in Shillong say Archbishop was going to California to meet his friend. He had gone to the US to attend a meeting of the International Commission for English liturgy in New York.
In a meeting held on October 12, the consulters that consists of clergy elected Father Madur, who held the position of chancellor of the Archdiocese, reported The Shillong Times.
Salesian Archbishop Jala was a friendly person and was cordial to others and respected his co-workers, said the 61-year-old Father Madur. Jala was also his teacher in the college.
Father Jimmy Margnar was elected as the acting chancellor.
Officials of the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral said as they await the mortal remains of the Archbishop to arrive in three to four days, they will have a concelebrated Mass at the Cathedral at 5.30 pm every day.