Am I alone in feeling disgusted during burial ceremonies at the Addolorata Cemetery? I had occasion to be present last week and these facts stood out.
I was told there was only one burial party, which explains the queue of three funerals waiting for interment. I will not comment on the casual (?) dress of the burial party.
I happened to observe an actual burial. Six stone slabs covering the grave could and should have been removed but only three were taken off. Consequently, the coffin was lowered practically vertically, complete with sound effects, and was placed in position after two botched attempts. One man actually jumped into the grave onto the topmost coffin to carry out the positioning. Excuse me, I feel sick!
I ask: Is it beyond the talents of whoever is in charge, including the government, the five-star funeral directors and the “guy” in charge to sort themselves out and make sure the coffin is lowered horizontally into the grave? All it takes is to use a rope at each end of the coffin and four men to achieve this. Who actually employs/controls/instructs these guys anyway? This has been going on for years and it does not take a slide rule to work out a solution. The Keystone Cops could do better.
An emotional and delicate occasion such as this surely deserves much more dignity and attention when all concerned are focused on bidding farewell to a loved one.