By Jessy Joseph

New Delhi, July 24, 2020: Several Catholic dioceses in India have formed volunteers’ groups to provide decent burial to those dying of COVID-19.

One of the first dioceses to form such a group was Idukki in Kerala that on July 20 set up a team of 30 priests and 40 young people.

The diocese’s move came a few days after the controversial burial of a Catholic nun by members of the Popular Front of India (PFI), an Islamic outfit, in Kerala.

When Sister Clare, 82, died on July 15, priests and nuns alleged stayed away from the funeral, triggering a controversy.

Father Mathew Navarakkattu, Idukki diocesan youth director, says burial of people dying of coronavirus has become a serious problem in society. “Stigma and fear keep people away from the burial of those people. Some do not know what to do when their dear ones die of coronavirus,” the priest old Matters India over phone on July 23.

He said the new group of volunteers will help in the burial of people of all religions in the diocese that covers parts of the hilly region of Idukki. It will also assist the local administration in distribution of food, medicine and other service in quarantine centers in the district, the priest explained.

Some 48 volunteers have already undergone trainings from the local health departments. They will follow the directives of the health department, Father Navarakkattu explained.

The priest says the Church wants people to know that “even in your death we are with you.”

So far the diocese lost only one Catholic to Covid-19. He was buried in the presence of priests and close relatives.

Another diocese to form a group is Faridabad that covers five northern Indian states, including the National Capital Region. It has assembled a team of 12 priests, 10 nuns and some 25 lay people to administer the Sacraments and assist burial of corona victims.

Some 250 people from 30 parishes have volunteered but the dioceses needs only four members from each parish, Father Julius Job, coordinator of the Faridabad team, told Matters India.

The diocese wants to ensure that anyone who dies of Covid -19 in the diocese should be given a Christian burial. Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of Faridabad has asked his priests to assist the burial of parishioners who die Covid-19.

“In some cases the parish priest may be impeded to perform the funerals, in such cases the team will intervene,” archbishop Bharanikulangara told Matters India.

Father Job says the team will not only assist the funeral but reach out to the people with Covid 19 for their spiritual needs.

“The Church is present to its people in the moment of great suffering’” Father Job told Matters India on July 24. “Our people should not be deprived of the sacraments,” he added.

“The service is intended to the Catholics in the diocese,” the archbishop said but “we are open to extend our service to other faiths if they require.” he added.

Meanwhile Sahrudaya Samaritans, the charitable wing of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese, too has formed a team to assist burial of Covid- 19 victims. The group has already assisted in the last rites of a Covid-19 patient.

Father Joseph Koluthuvallil, the NGO director, has requested nearly 300 parishes in Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts where the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church wields influence for coordinators and volunteers to engage in last rites of Covid-19 dead.

More than 2,000 volunteers of all faiths, mostly powered by the youth, responded to Father Koluthuvallil’s call, reports The Indian Express.