Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Mar 27: The central committee, Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, issued directives to its units and members, asking them to extend assistance and comfort to the poor, lonely and the suffering people in their parishes during the 21-day lockdown period prescribed to contain coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

In a press release, Rolphie D’Costa, president, Catholic Sabha said, “Two days ago, our Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, urged the community and parishes to respond to the pandemic of the Coronavirus with the universality of prayer, compassion and tenderness. He also requested to stay safe but at the same time keep spreading kindness through the spiritual and corporal acts of mercy.

“In response to the Bishop's directive, Catholic Sabha decided to help the needy through its units. In the past too, Catholic Sabha had got involved with humanitarian services during situations like flood shortage and other emergencies. Along with social leadership, Catholic Sabha is driven by the motto of reaching out to people who are in real trouble. Now during the current lockdown period, many families would be suffering from shortage of food grains, medicine and necessary items. In our society a major section depends on daily wages. But now they cannot go out to work and their families are forced to spend days without food.

"So it is my kind request to all Catholic Sabha members to identify families that are in actual trouble and spend days with hungry or partially fed people. As a humanitarian service, all units should make arrangements to distribute food items and extend essential financial assistance. At the time of home visit and distribution of food, volunteers should carry their ID cards issued by Catholic Sabha and a letter from the parish priest. At the same time the volunteers should follow all rules and regulations which are imposed by government during this lockdown period,” he added.

The central committee of Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) also has directed its units and members to reach out to the people who are facing problems during lockdown period.