Kerala's first crematorium for Catholics

The first crematorium for Catholics in Kerala has been set up and would be operational soon in Thrissur. The gas crematorium is being set up under the supervision of Thrissur Archdiocese.

Thrissur:Catholic Church’s first-ever crematorium in Kerala would be operational soon in Thrissur District of Kerala. Mortal remains would be cremated, not buried in the permanent facility.

Under Catholic traditions, the dead are buried and not cremated.

The works for the crematorium facility has been led by the Thrissur Arch Diocese of the Church. The gas crematorium being set up in Mannuthy Mulayath is the first one from the Catholic Church in the State.

Under the supervision of Thrissur Archdiocese, Saint Damien Cremation Centre is being set up in the premises of Mulayath Damien Institute Campus. In the past few months, during the pandemic, as many as 29 dead bodies were cremated here.

This permanent facility is set up as there is no facility for cremating dead bodies in other Parishes and cemeteries. The foundation stone for the proposed crematorium was blessed by Arch Bishop Mar Andrews Thazhath and Sahaya Methran Mar Tony Neelankavu. Government Chief Whip K Rajan laid the foundation stone.

Ollookkara Block Panchayath President K R Ravi, Nadathara Panchayath president Sree Vidhya Rajesh, Vicar General Monsignor. Thomas Kakkassery, Arch Diocese Finance Officer Father Varghese Kuthoor and Damian Director Father Simson Chirammal felicitated.