Urzelina cemetary

[Brian Margarit]

Hi guys, looking for general information due to conflicting stories.

The church Sao Mateus in Urzelina was built in 1822 to replace the old church that was destroyed in a volcanic eruption. (you can still find the steeple on display in town).  The parish cemetary was next to this church. The first burial took place on August 28, 1837. In 1859 there were those who gave land to a more appropriate cemetery location, but the former continued to serve.

Where were parishioners etc buried before that?  What happened to the bodies/graves of those that were built in the churchyard?  It's my understanding they extended the church and built over the old cemetery after exclusively using the new one.

Anyone with any information please share.  Appreciate your help!!!!

[Cheri Mello]

Since the Azores are islands, it would be impossible to have every single body since the 1640s be interred in a grave. So they would inter a body for 7 years and after that, the remains would be dug up and the bones placed in an ossuary. For some families today who want their relative there longer than 7 years, they pay a fee (I guess it is like paying rent) and the remains stay as long as the fee is paid.

So for the 1830s and 1850s, those people's bones are in the ossuary in the cemetery in Urzelina.

Cheri Mello
Listowner, Azores-Gen
Researching: São Miguel island: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada

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