A Correspondent
SHILLONG: Elaborate arrangements have been made for the funeral of Archbishop Dominic Jala, which will take place on Wednesday.
Fr Jimmy Margnar, pro tem Chancellor of the Shillong Archdiocese informed that around 16 Bishops from all over the country and the region are expected to attend the funeral. Apart from the Bishops, Fr Margnar estimated that around 250 priests are also expected on Wednesday.
Fr Margnar also informed that many political leaders like Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma are expected to attend the funeral service. He also informed that the funeral service will be conducted by Archbishop John Moolachira of the Guwahati Archdiocese. Also on the day of the funeral, a condolence message from the Vatican will be read out.
Meanwhile, the pro tem Chancellor has reiterated that people from in and around the city who wish to attend funeral service to walk to the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians at Laitumkhrah.
This he said will ease traffic congestion on Wednesday, since faithful from all over the State are expected to attend.
Throughout the day, the faithful paid their tributes to Archbishop Jala which was placed close to the altar of the Cathedral.
Among those who paid their tributes to the Archbishop was Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy. He had a brief interaction with the family member of Archbishop Jala.
Roy was accompanied by BJP Rajya Sabha member KJ Alphons and State Health and Family Welfare Minister Alexander L Hek.
Fr Margnar informed that the faithful who wish to pay their final tribute to the Archbishop can do so till 12 noon.
He also urged those who are coming for the funeral service to put a flag or any sign on their vehicles so that it could be easily identified.
Moreover, the East Khasi Hills police anticipating huge rush on the day of the funeral has made elaborate traffic arrangements.
The funeral service for the Archbishop will begin at 1 pm.