In a message dated 9/26/03 12:10:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
burt(a)rocler.qc.ca writes:
Subj:[TOMBSTONES] Catholic Cemetery tombstones
Date:9/26/03 12:10:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:<A HREF="mailto:burt@rocler.qc.ca">burt@rocler.qc.ca</A>
To:<A
HREF="mailto:TOMBSTONES-L@rootsweb.com">TOMBSTONES-L@rootsweb.com</A>
Sent from the Internet
Hi Folks
I have recently become aware that many of the catholic cemeteries here
in Quebec have what might be called a "25 year plan". This means that
the burial lot is sold for a period of 25 years (or similar period) only
and unless the family renews the contract, the lot is cleared, the
monument removed and the lot resold/reused. I have heard two second
hand eye-witness reports. In the first case, a man told me that his
mother had seen a bulldozer clear the old section of her parish cemetery
(over 150yrs old) and bury the tombstones. In another case, the manager
of another cemetery was seen going down a row of stones, indicating
which ones had not paid and instructing his assistant to "clear them".
I have also had confirmations from managers of other parish cemeteries
that they also reused lots that were not repaid after the 25 year
period. But I have also heard that many of the cemeteries had perpetual
plans as well (presumeably at higher cost).
My question is: Is this a common practice in catholic parishes in the
rest of North America or is it just pecular to Quebec.
I ran across this on another List.
This may explain the attitude that was behind
the destruction of "Old St
Peter's Cemetery" in Harrison co. Indiana in 1965. This is the only other
instance
where I have heard of such wanton disreguard of the Markers in a cemetery. I
suppose this explains how Catholics feeel about their "precious" land. It
seems it is more important to "Keep them coming" than respect the dead and leave
their markers alone. This is not meant to offend Catholics, I do not know any
that feel this way.
Thought this might be of interest. Land certainly was not the problem in
Harrison Co. There are 1,000,s of acres just sitting in the area at rock bottom
prices.
Jack E Briles Sr
PO Box 444
New Albany, In.