Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 16: A press meet was convened under the leadership and guidance of Santhosh D’Souza, president of Catholic Sabha, Mangalore region, on August 16.

Speaking at the meet, he said, “In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, Christians are known to be peace-loving people who deeply value their faith. Our religious practices and festivals have always been celebrated only within our churches and homes. From ancient times, we have shown respect to every religion.

“The Christian community has made immense contributions to society, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and social service. Alongside serving in Christian institutions, we actively contribute through organisations like Lions, Rotary, Jaycees, and other international platforms. We also organise blood donation camps and other community welfare activities.

“We have never spoken against, nor will we ever speak against, any other religion. During funerals, weddings, naming ceremonies, First Holy Communion celebrations, protests, and other events, whenever we invited him, our respected former union minister and Lok Sabha Member Janardhan Poojary always found time to attend, despite his busy schedule. However, about a recent incident in Dakshina Kannada, instead of offering support, he raised questions as to whether Christians bury bodies in the church itself.”

Offering a clarification, D’Souza said, “In our tradition, when a Christian passes away, we believe that the person has become favourable to God. We then carry out all the final rites with reverence and prayer. If death occurs naturally due to age or illness, a medical certificate is obtained from the hospital. In cases of accident, suicide, or any suspicious cause, a police report and medical documentation are required. Afterwards, church bells are tolled. The parish priest, along with the vice president, secretary, gurkars, parish council members, and parishioners, visits the house of the deceased, offers prayers, and brings the body in procession to the church. A funeral mass is celebrated, after which the body is buried in the cemetery in a grave six feet deep and covered with soil. A cross is placed with the dates of birth, death, and marriage inscribed, and the details are duly recorded in the church register. Requiem Masses are offered on the 7th day, after one month, and on the first anniversary, along with parishioners and loved ones, to pray for the departed soul.”

He further stated that all records of births and deaths are meticulously maintained in the church office and are available for verification at any time. “To date, there has never been a case of a Christian being buried outside church premises or unlawfully. For the past 50 years, Christian burials have taken place only in designated church cemeteries. We therefore earnestly request you to publish this clarification in your newspapers and visual media,” he added.