Church reminds public to keep cemetery solemn

Local Cebu clergy reminds the faithful to keep the tradition of maintaining the sanctity inside cemeteries and respect the people who visit and pray for their departed loved ones.

The public are asked to refrain from playing loud music or drinking liquor, which had been common scenes inside the cemeteries.

Monsignor Ruben Labajo, team moderator of Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, told The FREEMAN that the custodian of the Carreta Cemetery, which is managed by the cathedral, is even imposing strict rules in order to uphold the solemnity of the place.

“Cemeteries are holy places. The graves had been blessed. These are not just the place for the dead but these are the sleeping dormitories of our lost loved ones. And there will come a time that the Lord will raise them to the heavens,” he said over a phone interview.

He added people visiting cemeteries should allot more time in offering prayers for the souls of the dead than making celebrations in company with families and friends.

The cathedral has also scheduled series of Holy Masses starting this October 31 until November 2 that will be held at the chapel inside the Carreta Cemetery.

He said the upcoming holiday, which has been observed to remember the deceased relatives, only occurs once a year and so people should make the most of the time when they are free from work and classes.

Msgr. Labajo said families can eat inside but drinking liquors is prohibited inside. He said the Cathedral has hired its own security personnel to guard the place. It also coordinated with the Cebu City Police Office to augment their existing security officers.

Before any visitor could enter the cemetery, the personnel will inspect their bags and belongings to make sure that no liquor bottle or sharp object can be brought inside the cemetery.

He is also advising the public that bringing of stereos or speakers is also discouraged.

Families have started visiting at the cemeteries since the weekend to clean the graves or tombs of their relatives.

At the Carreta cemetery, the Cathedral has reopened its services in repairing the bulbs at the individual grave, proceeds of which are used for the maintenance of the cemetery such as building fences or making of burial vaults.

People are expected to flock during the holidays on November 1, All Saints’ Day, and on the following day, All Souls’ Day.