By Rex Catubig

 

THE burial lot for our dear departed has always been at the Catholic Church Cemetery in Careenan Street. Even in the advent of memorial parks, we stood by the final resting ground for our deceased. Ours is just a few tombs away on the right side of the Resurrection Chapel and has been there for as long as the ancient Acacia trees have shrouded the area with their majestic foliage.

The place seems to have stood still all these years–which reinforces our romantic sentiment. Yet, our rational self holds up the mirror to its dilapidated state, especially the chapel—presumably owing to the wanton neglect and uncaring attitude of the parish which we presume has jurisdiction over the cemetery. Even Jesus would have squirmed if he was laid there.

Ever since I can remember, families and relatives of those entombed there struggled down the unpaved narrow lane and had to play hopscotch with the mud puddles–especially since rains and typhoons like to visit around such time.

Nonetheless, there’s reason for the dead and the living to rejoice. Because, after eons, the center pathway of the ancient cemetery has been paved. It’s easier now for the living to visit the graves especially on All Saints’ Day or any other day of remembrance.

But, if only the improvement extended to the chapel where it leads.

Life after death may not be on this earth, but the Catholic belief in resurrection must be anchored on the respect for the dead not only in terms of proper burial but in providing a resting place that resonates with the promised glory hereafter. Seeing the disarray of the Catholic cemetery and the ramshackle state of the chapel, one is hard pressed to think whether the passage to eternity must be so harsh that to die beautiful is just in the movies.

Isn’t it high time the Church leadership improved the decrepit structure? It behooves it to take the lead in creating a solemn place where the bereaved could bid their loved ones a final farewell and the dear departed are given final blessing, before they are interred into their final resting place.

Once improved, the chapel by itself could banish the scary atmosphere associated with cemeteries.

Private memorial parks have reversed this by their tranquil ambiance evocative of love and spiritual solace.

Because the Church professes glorious resurrection, its cemetery must be premised on the same spirit. Nothing is more comforting than for the Church to honor its deceased faithful with a dignified place for their final departure that somehow provides a glimpse of their glorious destination.

Only then, will the chapel be true and worthy of its name as the Chapel of Resurrection.

And happy souls would line prance to “Paro Paro G” as they “Fly High Butterfly” to Heaven.

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