Syro Malabar synod decides not to bury bishops in sanctuaries

Madbaha is always considered to be a sacred place for both the clergy and the faithful.

Kochi:  The synod of the Syro-Malabar Church has decided not to bury bishops in the sanctuary (madbaha) of churches, a Church spokesperson said.

The Synod that began at Mount St Thomas, Kakkanad, the headquarters of the Church, made the decision on Tuesday, the New Indian Express reported.

“From now onwards, deceased bishops and metropolitans will be laid to rest in the crypt (an underground burial place in churches) if such a facility is available, or at the chapel attached to the cemetery,” said Church's spokesperson Fr Paul Thelakkatu.

“There is no special reason for the synod to take such a decision. It is just a decision taken in tune with the times,” he said.

Madbaha is always considered to be a sacred place for both the clergy and the faithful. There is a general feeling that it should not be used as a burial place,” Fr Thelakkatu said.

The synod also reviewed the trend of vocation in the Church and observed that vocations are on the rise in the Chicago, Kalyan and Delhi dioceses. The bishops also decided to conduct a survey to understand the changes in vocations.

Some 45 bishops of the Church are attending the Synod, which will conclude on August 30.

Source: New Indian Express