Lockdown: Faridabad bishops use social media to stay connected

By Jessy Joseph

New Delhi, June 4, 2020: The nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic has not restricted the bishops of Faridabad diocese from interacting with his people.

Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara and Auxiliary Bishop Jose Puthenveettil use Zoom, video conferencing and other social media platforms to connect with priests, laity, catechism students, mothers, trustees, altar boys and youth since the government imposed the lockdown from March 25.

“The lockdown is an opportunity to strengthen the prayer life and family bonds,” Archbishop Bharanikulangara told the youth in one those video conference.

“Keep a close bond with Word of God to enliven your spirituality and be strong in your faith amid the challenges,” he said and expressed the hope that young people can create a difference in society and the Church. “I know you can make a vibrant and outreaching Church and become a witness to Christ,” he added. At the same, he advised them to take necessary precautions and obey government’s lockdown rules.

During the lockdown, like other dioceses Faridabad also suspended Masses and other services in churches. The diocese, however, encouraged its faithful to attend online Masses and prayer services.

Besides live daily Mass, the dioceses organizing various virtual activities to connect with the faithful. “We want the people to know that they are not alone during their difficult times,” Archbishop Bharanikulangara told Matters India on June 3 over the phone.

The archbishop conducts live Mass on at 9 am on Sundays. He also talks to people over the phone to enquire about their wellbeing and learn about their problems.

During a live stream meeting on May 5, the priests shared about their experiences during the lockdown, prayed together and suggested ways to move forward with the people at these difficult days.

The archbishop urged his priests to conduct regular Eucharistic adorations, prayers and reach out to the parishioners through online platforms.

Archbishop Bharanikulangara met the youth online on May 7 when he urged them to remain strong in their faith.

Bivin Varghese, global deputy president of Syro Malabar Youth Movement, said the young people appreciated the prelate’s gesture. “We could feel the warmth and positive vibes and the meeting strengthened our faith,” he said in social media platforms.

Another meeting with mothers and front-line warriors, the prelate assured his moral support and invoked God’s blessings. The two bishops thanked the medical professional in the diocese for their dedicated service during the crisis. “Make this opportunity to grow closer to God and family,” Archbishop Bharanikulangara told mothers.

Father Benny Palatty, director of the diocesan family apostolate, organized a webinar on May 24 on Zoom that was attended by hundreds of parents in the diocese. The archbishop urged the parents to ensure that their children do not deviate from the right path. “Walk with them in their spiritual journey, guard them from the evil ways and help them to enrich their spiritual growth,” he told the parents.

The program was addressed by former Supreme Court Justice Kurian Joseph, who stressed the need to strengthen the family bonds and foster a sense of togetherness. “A family that eats together stays together, leave away your smart phones and other electronic devices from dinner table and communicate each other,” he told the parents.

The diocese has organized different activities such as singing completions, letter writing, essay writing, and Bible quiz to serve the faithful during the crisis.