PALA: Bishop Mar Joseph sent a message to the clergy, stating that the emphasis should be on both food and medicine and that no one should be hungry in the diocese. The Lockdown, which came into existence in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic, has emerged with the slogan ‘Don’t be hungry’.
There may be food shortages in the coming week. The government may supply food kits, but there is already a crisis. There are plenty of day laborers, small farmers, rubber cutters, lottery sellers, walk-in vendors, and guest workers. Many families may find themselves unable to shop and buy groceries. The diocese has many care homes. The clergy and the devotees should ensure that all the above sections are getting the necessary food. Each parish should investigate and determine who is in need.
No lives should be lost due to starvation and lack of medical aid. There should be no hunger within our diocese. The amount required for the above services should be as much as possible from the parish and monastic forests. If any parish is unable to do so, the diocese should be notified, and the financial security alarm begs the Vicars to cooperate. Halls and kitchens of the dioceses should be left out for community kitchens. Organizations such as the SMYM and PSWS, the youth organization of the church, must cooperate with police officers in distributing resources.
Young people should join the NGOs as part of voluntary work through the Government Volunteer web portal, as per the suggestions of the Police and the Representatives. Parishes and hostels can be used for emergency situations. Our diocese’s ad-hoc assistance system should be available to treat people with alcoholism.
In his message, Marc Joseph Kallangettat reminded us that the coroners should be made aware of the creation of masks, sanitizes and lotions.
