President signs book of condolences

Several well-known citizens, government officials and members of the diplomatic corps on Wednesday signed the book of condolences to pay tribute to the late bishop Aloysius Zichem. President Desi Bouterse also placed his signature in the book of condolences which has been placed at The Chancellery.

Members of the public can also place their signatures in the book of condolences for 3 days only. They can do so from 10 am until 1 p.m. The very beloved bishop of Paramaribo passed away on Sunday at the age of 83.

According to the Roman Catholic Diocese, Zichem was the bishop of Paramaribo from 1970 until 2002 which means that he was the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Suriname during those years. Members of the public can say their final goodbyes at the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral Basilica located along the HenckArronstraat from 3 pm until 7 pm on Saturday. Afterwards there will be an evening prayer which will last until 20:30. The funeral will take place on Sunday, November 20, 2016. There will a Mass prior to the funeral. The Mass which will commence at 3 p.m. will also be held at the Cathedral Basilica. The people who want to attend the Mass are being urged to be in the church before 14:30. The doors will be closed at 14:30 which means that nobody will be able to enter the church.

The body of monsignor Zichem will be laid to rest in the crypt located behind the Cathedral Basilica. The relatives of the late bishop prefer a donation for a good cause instead of wreaths.