Calls for the introduction of cremation in Malta are not unusual and, now, over 200 people have joined an online group making a similar request. This is no surprise, especially considering the ever-increasing population density and the diversity in people's beliefs and/or expectations. Indeed, the government has decided to set aside a zone at the Addolorata Cemetery for the possibility of a crematorium run by the private sector.
Many were also happy to note that the Cabinet is considering a proposal to extend the national cemetery by a further 9,000 new graves.
There are 20,517 private graves in government cemeteries, including 14,329 at the Addolorata. There are also hundreds of other graves at the 28 Church cemeteries spread all over Malta. Nonetheless, there are 6,530 applications for private graves in government cemeteries, of which 4,029 are graves at the Addolorata.
Many are the Maltese families that not only have their own private grave, or would very much like to have one, but also adorn them as best they can. Many a time, different generations of one's family are in evidence, their remains still together as they were together in life.
Most people also have the good tradition of visiting the graves of their families, especially in the beginning of November, to maintain the burial places or decorate them with flowers and lamps. Such visits have their roots, as it should be, in the bonds existing between the living and the dead.
Speaking about the Addolorata Cemetery also brings to mind the very understandable surprise or shock many people felt due to certain aspects of a recent television feature showing a fashion photo shoot at the Addolorata Cemetery.
The Department of Environmental Health explained that it issued a permit for the photos to be taken at the Addolorata Cemetery only because the applicant had declared he wanted to highlight the beautiful gothic architecture of the cemetery. It pointed out that a permit was granted under a number of conditions including "that any photographs taken in any film shot do not in any way contain anything that may be deemed objectionable". Of course, what is objectionable to one may not be so to another!
It is hoped that lessons are learned from what has happened. Any filming or shooting of photographs at cemeteries should indeed be subject to clear enough conditions designed to ensure full respect to the sacredness of such places because cemeteries invariably deserve the best respect that we, the living, can give them. Moreover, there should be all the necessary follow-up procedure to ensure that, when such permits are granted, the conditions are fully adhered to.
It has been said that the manner in which we treat the remains of ancestors says a lot about our civilisation. Indeed, just as how we treat those among us who are the most vulnerable is a test of society's character and values, so is the respect we pay to the dear departed.
Hence, the dignity that must characterise the sacredness of cemeteries must be protected at all times.
This includes seeing that all cemeteries are truly and constantly well-maintained, including through sufficient care of trees and plants on the sites, and that surveillance is adequate against the risk of certain abuses that insensitive or misguided persons may commit, as have been occasionally experienced in the past.
The message should be loud and clear that cemeteries are sacred sites that deserve the best respect and care that we, the living, can give them.