The Purgatorian Society of the Jos Catholic Archdiocese has expressed concerns over the unkempt state of cemeteries in the state, especially Zaria Road Cemetery in Jos.
Chaplain of the Society, Rev. John Chuwak, disclosed this during a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau chapter, Rev. Polycarp Lubo.
The chaplain, who said the cemetery was overgrown with bushes and dirt, solicited the support of well-meaning individuals and groups to keep it clean.
He noted that the primary aim of the society was to pray for those who have died, especially souls in purgatory.
Chuwak stated that they believed that some people, who had died, were in purgatory, finding their way to heaven.
The cleric added that society prayed for the repose of souls that died because God loved and created humans not to abandon them in the dungeon of death but to save them.
“Since we are praying for the dead, we normally go to the cemetery to pray, especially on the second day of November, which commemorates all souls.
“We have discovered that the cemetery is Unkempt, and we are here to let CAN know that the cemetery is in a bad state.
“If you are not careful, because of bushy and Unkempt nature, you may dig a new grave on an old one when you want to bury another person.
“The purgatorians have done their best to keep it clean by even hiring people from the office, including using chemicals, to kill the grasses, but we discovered that our strength is not enough.
“We are appealing to CAN, spirited individuals and the government to look into the state of our cemeteries,” Chuwak appealed.
The group prayed for the repose of the souls of the children that died in the Saint Academy, Jos building collapse.
Rev. Lubo, Plateau CAN Chairman, said that the association was privileged to have the society on a courtesy visit.
Lubo promised to assist the society with the resources of the association to keep the cemetery clean.
The chairman said that there was no particular person in charge of the cemetery at the moment as demanded by the society.
According to him, this requires the society to sacrifice time, talents, and wherewithal for the maintenance of the cemetery.
“Anytime you are taking any responsibility, let us know so that we can come in to support you,” he promised. (NAN)
