By Inaliza Nongbyrsaw

Shillong, May 18, 2020: Today, India is fighting Covid-19 the most tragic pandemic spread throughout the world.

The federal and state governments have put all their efforts to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus and bring back normalcy. So, our government has declared nationwide lockdown, which is a good decision. As the pandemic spreads, self-isolation or quarantine is the only strategy to wage war against coronavirus.

The global health emergency came as I was busy preparing for the national convention of the YCS/YSM at Umran in Shillong, capital of Meghalaya where I am based. I am the program convener of the convention which was scheduled to be held in May. So, I was busy with many meetings, sessions and other programs for the whole year.

The lockdown has affected me quite badly. Being a social person and a leader, I love personal interactions and meeting with friends and loved ones. However, technology has been a blessing. Although we are miles apart the technology continues to bring us together.

Some people fond of going out have got bored sitting back at home. However, I look at the lockdown from a different perspective. Earlier, many may not have found time for their families, so the lockdown has been a blessing in disguise for them.

Lockdown is actually an opportunity to make the best use of the time given to us. We better take a chance and make the best use of it. We must realise how important it is to have quality time with our family and how we can build stronger bond and relationship.

It would have been the best days of my life if my mom was there with me, spending time together but we were not lucky like others. This is what remains in the end. Wish to spend more time with mom, and one should do it when they are alive. Time gives only one chance and that one chance is valuable and we should use it wisely.

Apart from this I’ve learned how to be happy with little things that we have because we were not prepared for this situation.

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted religion in various ways, including the cancellation of the worship services of various faiths. The result has been the quick shift of religious services from in-person to online worship.

We are in awe of how much we enjoyed being around the church since childhood. Our priests encourage and give us updates to pray and help the needy in these difficult times.

However, thanks to technology, we are able to virtually participate in church services. Of course, having only online Masses has forced me to rethink, to be more innovative, creative and to keep learning to better myself as a designer. The lockdown has been quite a challenge, but luckily, it’s going on really well. It was indeed a special experience, especially the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from Pope Francis. It drew me closer to God.

For the first time in my life, I could not attend Mass during the Holy Week and the joyous season of Easter. But I hope that this will be the last time for me to observe Easter in this way.

Many people are suffering from this pandemic especially the poor and daily wage workers in spite of the government ensuring help and services for all. We can donate money to many charity organizations and NGOs, who take care of street children, stranded migrant laborers and homeless people.

If there is one thing my late mother taught me was ‘compassion for others’, to do our deeds or services without expecting anything in return. So, my whole family is following her footsteps. Today, we should be protecting ourselves and our family members, but we should also extend a helping hand. (Mt. 5:42; Mt. 25:40)

We know that God does not lead us to fear. Instead, God gives us the tools we need like patience and prudence which lead us in turn to hope. Coronavirus has cancelled so much already, but it has not cancelled our love, trust, faith and hope. It gave hope to millions of nature lovers where they can witness the change of nature, becoming cleaner and more beautiful. (Is. 40:31; Jer. 29:11; Eph. 1:18)

Lockdown, social distancing, wearing masks apart from practicing personal hygiene has become part of our life because it was necessary to keep ourselves safe. We shouldn’t forget all the front liners who have rendered selfless service for humanity and who have filled us with the strength and hope to face the days ahead. We can definitely reduce the impact of the spread by following the instructions of the health department.

Inaliza Nongbyrsaw with her mom’s picture
Almost everyone is going through a rough phase and finding it challenging and difficult to deal with the change in lifestyle. This virus has changed the way we are currently living. Moreover, we are not going back to life as it was. For better or for worse, life on earth has changed forever. Instead of worrying about it, let’s take a look at what comes after. I don’t know how many of us realised how deeply this is going to impact each one of us.

Finally, the world needs prayer and God’s blessings, so Pope Francis has called on “Believers of all faiths” to be united through fasting and prayer. He invites all of humanity to ask “God to help human kind overcome the coronavirus pandemic”. (Ps. 9:18; 33:22).

It’s the first time that the entire world stands united for a single cause to pray together according to their faiths. We should thank God for safeguarding us from this pandemic and allowing us to witness again the beauty of this world for years to come. May God help us to help others. May the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God and our Mother intercede the world and each one of us.

(Inaliza Nongbyrsaw is a Catholic youth leader based at Shillong, Meghalaya.)