Alappuzha Catholic diocese allows cremation of COVID patients

Thiruvananthapuram: The Catholic diocese of Kerala's Alappuzha district on Tuesday decided to undertake cremation of faithful who die of Covid-19 and later bury the ashes.

The decision was taken after the head of the diocese, Bishop James Anamparambil held wide-ranging talks with authorities and others. The order, passed on to his church, has been accepted as the new order during Covid-19 times.

The issue arose in Alappuzha, basically a low-lying area with most places waterlogged, after two church members passed away. They had tested Covid-19 positive.

After the new order, they will be cremated in the church cemetery itself. The cremation may take place in the church cemetery or outside. If the body is cremated outside the parish premises, the ashes have to be buried in the cemetery as per the guidelines issued by the liturgy commission, the circular informed.

According to the traditional Christian rights, only burial is done not the cremation.