By Matters India Reporter
Mumbai, Aug 19, 2020: Cardinal Oswald Gracias has cautioned the priests of his Bombay archdiocese to not let their guard down as they have resumed pastoral activities as the administration has relaxed lockdown norms.
The cardinal’s caution came in the wake of some priests succumbing to Covid-19.
“It is with extremely deep sadness that we received the news of the passing into eternity of our two dear brother priests: Fathers Dominic Alves and Johnny Nicholas. Earlier we were shocked to learn of the passing away of Father Simplicius Khess, a Dominican helping out at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Pokhran. We were not prepared for these departures. We pray for them,” Cardinal Gracias said August 15 while addressing the priests of Bombay archdiocese.
“This is a good occasion for us to remind ourselves not to let our guard down. Please observe strictly the norms for wearing masks, social distancing and Covid-19 washing of hands,” says the 75-year-old prelate, who heads the Catholic Church India as the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.
He has warned especially priests with hypertension and diabetes. “Those with comorbidities have to be particularly careful; especially if you have diabetes, hypertension or some lung infection,” he added.
The cardinal says the possibility of infection will be greater once the priests fully resume their pastoral works. “Hence the need to be extra cautious,” he added.
The cardinal noted that most fatalities occurred because patients were brought to the hospital too late. “Please do not delay tests if you have any indication of a possible infection,” he said.