Panaji, April 1, 2020: The Archdiocese of Goa has appealed its faithful to help the poor and underprivileged including migrant laborers during the ongoing lockdown period.

In a press statement issued on March 30, Caritas Goa Director Father Maverick Fernandes has made a special appeal to all religious men and women working in the archdiocese, coming from various linguistic and social backgrounds, to help out in this crisis affecting our migrants.

“The calamity of the Coronavirus disease is threatening to engulf the globe with an incredible speed and force and our Central government has rightly declared a total lockdown in our country, urging people to remain within the confines of their homes,” Father Fernandes said.

“This, however, is creating practical difficulties for the daily existence of the people in our State, particularly to those most vulnerable. Among them are the migrant laborers from other states, who, in their thousands, are engaged in various unskilled jobs in Goa,” he said.

The Church body has already appealed priests to reach out to the distressed in their parishes by creating teams of volunteers to help out in dispensing vital aid and care to such people in dire need, including migrants.

“In this context, our archbishop has received a circular letter sent out to all the bishops of India by the Archbishop and Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi, calling the attention to the plight of many people of their state who are working in other States of India,” Father said.

“In the light of the above, we come to you with a renewed appeal to reach out to all those from other States who are working in Goa and are presently facing a crisis for survival due to the stoppage of their daily income. You are requested to advise the people under your care to treat these migrants with the concern and dignity due to them,” the appeal mentioned.

“Wherever possible, such people may be gathered in makeshift shelters, where their needs for sustenance, clothing, etc, may be attended to. Our school premises could be made use of for this purpose,” it added.

“Let us remember that they too are liable to be affected by the pernicious coronavirus and therefore it is imperative that we keep them safe, even to stay safe ourselves,” it added.

Source: heraldgoa.in