Catholic Church in India's northeast reviews role during pandemic

The various departments of the Catholic Church in India's northeast region reviewed their role in fighting the spread of the coronavirus disease in a meeting on April 8 and 9.

Archbishop John Moolachira, president of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council, said the meeting was called to "take stock and to evaluate what we have done for the people and ... to take appropriate measures to serve the people even better.”

Father Varghese Velickakam, director of Social Forum, noted that the "yeoman service" of the Church was always visible during the lockdown and led relief efforts for the poor.

Father Owen Chourappa, representing the legal department of the council, highlighted the need for "extra vigilance" amid the atmosphere of hate and polarization in the country.

“It is important to have proper documentation and total legal compliance to avoid all legal complications in the future,” he said.

Father Kuriakose, rector of Oriens Theological College, stressed the importance of promoting and protecting the environment.

“To help the seminarians understand the importance of water, we are planning to start ‘a bucket of water a day’ scheme wherein a seminarian will be provided just a bucket of water to manage the whole day,” he said.

Sister Jobina of the prison ministry said prisons visits, prayer meetings, and cultural programs have an impact on the lives of many inmates. 

Several other departments also presented their reports.

The meeting concluded with an appeal for prayer for the return of peace and normalcy in Myanmar, which shares its borders with Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram States of North East India. - Frank Krishner