By Matters India Reporter

New Delhi, March 3, 2020: Catholic parishes, religious congregations and institutions in Delhi are now engaged in bringing relief to areas affected by the recent communal riots in the national capital.

Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi on March 2 visited affected areas and comforted victims and shared his grief with them.

Riots that broke out on February 23 night have claimed nearly 50 lives and wounded hundreds of people in the northwestern parts of the national capital.

Archbishop Couto said all affected people have taken shelter at a place of worship.“We are trying to help people at different levels—medical, counseling and students’ classes with the help of different groups,” he added.

The deserted streets bore tell-tale signs of massive destruction and violence fuelled by hatred, the prelate noted.” Our hearts were filled with deep sadness and anguish at what we saw and heard. The soul of our nation has been torn apart and with such brutality.”

He also said the Catholic parishes and institutions have already plunged into action before his visit.

“We are mobilizing resources to help the affected people in the best way possible. Our Holy Family Hospital is doing a great job with two ambulances, a couple of doctors and several nurses rendering first stage medical help. We will lend our support to all efforts for the rehabilitation of the displaced people,” he added.

Archbishop Couto was accompanied by Jesuit Father P R John, principal of Vidyajyoti College of Theology, and Presentation Sister Shalini Mulackal, former president of the Indian Theological Institution and a professor in the college.

“Jeevodaya Sisters are helping any case that we refer to them. These are immediate needs and we are planning to help most deserving cases in their rehabilitation too,” he added.

He also said a group of Delhi Archdiocese officials, nuns and priests now meets with the affected people. They meet new people, who narrate stories of violence and torture that touch their hearts.

“We should raise our voices against those who caused communal riots, destroying the lives of the poor in miserable conditions and I strongly feel that we should strive to get government help for these people,” said the archbishop who had appealed to his parishes and institutions to help the victims.

“At this trying moment when communal riots have suddenly gripped Delhi, let us come forward with our prayers and every possible effort to bring relief to the affected people in terms of shelter, food and clothing. If need be by even opening up our church premises for this noble cause in the Lenten season,” the February 26 appeal had said.

On February 28, the Vidyajyoti principal visited Shiv Vihar, one of the affected areas, along with Presentation Sister Anastasia Gill, a member of Delhi Minorities Commission.

Father John later said he was sad to see the amount of destruction done to the property and lives of Muslims selectively. “Their houses were burnt and their livelihood is destroyed resembling nothing less than a graveyard.

He said he had felt helpless as to how to go about helping people. Then he and others visited two families who worked for the rescuing the people trapped in the riots and gave shelter about 2,000 people.

That was the starting point and Father John’s team made a core committee together with Father Alex Joseph, provincial of Franciscans, and built up a relationship with the people.

“We took immediate steps to make arrangements for medical help that they immediately needed, with the help of 12 Mother Teresa Sisters (Missionaries of Charity) and a few of our students,” said Father John.

By this, Father John’s team made an entry into affected families by gaining their trust.

Following days, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India people visited the place and had a meeting with the Conference of Religious India (CRI), a forum of various religious congregations.

All decided to work taking a second role and keeping the Muslim family ahead in this venture, Father John added.