Guwahati, April 13, 2020: People who believe in a good and rational God should not worry too much about the coronavirus pandemic, says a Catholic priest who has played a key role in the educational scenario of northeastern India.
“Our future is filled with wonderful new possibilities. God is alive in His creation and is with us everywhere,” says Father V M Thomas, former head of the Salesians’ Guwahati province and the person behind setting up of Don Bosco Group of institutions in northeastern India.
The renowned professor of business administration sees new meaning for the changes arising from the coronavirus pandemic that has affected nearly 210 countries in the world.
He says Resurrection of Jesus promises that things can be new again. “We just need courage, show boldness, hold on to our faith and live life to the full despite the gloom and constraints. I pray that we experience newness of life and live in hope,” he adds.
God, who created the universe, is supreme intelligence and love and those who believe him should not worry too much about the present crisis.
The priest spoke to the Sentinel newspaper of Assam as the Christian community in northeastern India celebrated Easter confined to their homes as they were kept out of churches because of the ongoing lockdown.
Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati, head of the Catholic Church in the region, to the Sentinel that all churches had no participation of the faithful who had abided by the lockdown guidelines. Easter this year fell on April 12.
“We have asked them to imagine that they are in the church participating in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. I am happy that people responded by praying at home.”
Archbishop Moolachira, the chairman of North East Regional Catholic Bishops Council, has appealed the Christian community as well as the people from all faiths to pray seeking God’s intervention to make the world free from coronavirus.
“While human efforts are already on to battle against COVID, the intervention of the Almighty will make the battle of human easy and ensure the victory of human beings against the virus,” the archbishop added.
The religious feasts such as Easter and Christmas are marked by solemn liturgies that are attended by the faithful in large numbers. These festivals are followed by celebrations, greetings and hugs.
Earlier Assam Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi greeted the people, particularly Christians, on the occasion of Easter Sunday.
In a statement on April 12, Governor Mukhi said, “Let me take the pleasure in extending my greetings to my Christian brethren on the occasion of Easter Sunday, the day we commemorate the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. Let this day give us an opportunity to inspire us to strive for a better tomorrow and a more meaningful life.”
Source: sentinelassam.com