The parish of Maria Hertogin van Maria plans to restore the Catholic cemetery of Zwartemeer as soon as possible. This is what spokesman Henk Kuhl says. Volunteers have now reported who are willing to help.
At the beginning of this week, photos of the cemetery appeared on social media. A resident was annoyed by the messy appearance and the ubiquitous weeds. A message about the impoverished situation was shared dozens of times on Facebook.
Inquiries revealed that the maintenance team resigned at the beginning of this year. According to the co-coordinator, disagreements arose between the volunteers and the parish council about the proposed plan to clear 80 to 100 graves.
Kuhl confirms this initiative, but has a comment. “It was never the intention to clear them all at once. But in phases, about eight per year. Because we ourselves are absolutely not in favor of clearcutting.” According to Kuhl, it has always been the intention to draw up a plan for the cleared places.
This proposal has been discussed with the maintenance team. A mediator from the diocese of Groningen-Leeuwarden was also present at that meeting. “Our impression at the time was that we had a basis to continue. But that turned out not to be the case.”
The parish did not receive a definitive answer from the team regarding the clearance and refurbishment plan. They never reported the fact that they gave up, says Kuhl.
Clearing is necessary, he says. Because rules are rules. “If the grave rights expire or if the next of kin no longer wish to pay them, then the grave will disappear.” Kuhl cannot specify how it came to such a number all at once.
The parish council says it understands the concerns that relatives have regarding the state of maintenance. A number of volunteers have already registered.
According to Kuhl, it is being examined whether this can lay the foundation for a new team. “We benefit from people who want to hoe and mow. We hire help for professional jobs such as cutting hedges.”
The maintenance of each individual grave is the responsibility of the next of kin. We are also working on a plan to get the cemetery back in order as soon as possible.