SHILLONG, Oct 13 - Condolences have poured in from across the state over the demise of Archbishop (Shillong) Dominic Jala, with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma and several others mourning the untimely death of the priest.
Archbishop Jala (68) died in a car accident at Colusa County, Oakland, California in US on Friday, along with another priest Fr Mathew Vellankal.
In his condolence message, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said: �Archbishop Dominic Jala was a charismatic man of God who led with humanity, love and brotherhood.�
He said the Archbishop had a close relationship with his late father PA Sangma and his family. �He was a man of impeccable wisdom and guided me on several issues for the interest of our people,� Sangma said.
Stating that the �demise is a huge loss to Meghalaya�, Sangma on behalf of the people and the Government of Meghalaya, conveyed his deepest condolences to all members of the bereaved Shillong Archdiocese family, his friends and close associates.
The Leader of Opposition in his message expressed �shock and sadness� over the sudden demise. �I on behalf of my family convey our deepest condolences to the members and close relatives of the bereaved family and to all the members of Shillong Archdiocese,� Mukul Sangma said.
Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh also expressed his �deep shock and sorrow on the tragic passing away of Rev Archbishop Dominic Jala in the United States.� In a condolence message, the Speaker said that his passing away was a great loss to the Church and the state. He prayed that his soul may rest in peace.
Former Chief Minister DD Lapang in his message expressed �deep sadness� and said the passing away of Archbishop Jala was a �great lost to the Church and the people of the state as a whole.� He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the member of the Salesian Brothers and family members of Archbishop Jala.
Meanwhile, Fr John Madur has been elected as the Diocesan Administrator of the Shillong Archdiocese. Fr Madur was the Chancellor and was elected by a group of priests at an urgent meeting at the Archbishop�s House here. He will continue in his new position till a new Archbishop is chosen.
