By I P Sarto
Dumka: The Small Christian Community (SCCs) members from Dumka diocese in Jharkhand shared unanimously that their faith in Christ was deepened during the lockdown.
Representatives from two parishes of 13 SCC units of St. Joseph’s Parish, Guhiajori village, about 10 km from Dumka town and Sacred Hear Parish in Dumka shared their experience of Christian life during an animation session on January 13.
During the Lockdown when the churches were closed and the Mass was not celebrated, we had family prayer together both morning and evening, said Esther Murmu, an SCC animator. As our children were not going to school I led the prayers in the house and read the Bible, which we hardly did earlier, added Mrs. Murmu, a school teacher sharing her experience. This united us in our family, she shared.
Last nine months, during the pandemic imposed lock down we had regular family prayers and Rosary with our children and many families in our parishes also prayed together, said Elias Hembrum a parishioner of Sacred Heart, Dumka. This was not possible earlier, added Hembrum.
Our SCC animators of 22 SCC units in Dumka have early morning prayer at 3 am from the Easter Sunday, said Ignacia Murmu, an SCC animator. We woke up each other at 3 am and had intercessory prayers for the sick, parish, diocese, country, for the people of other faith and for various others intentions taking one each on a day. All of us prayed for the same intention, added Murmu, another school teacher. This chain prayer united us in faith and trust, she added while others acknowledged by clapping of hands.
Now I read the Bible daily and pray with my parents, said Isha Ursula Marandi of Class VII studying at Sacred Heart School, Dumka. Earlier I never helped my mum in her kitchen work, now I help her besides studying and also help my brother in his works, added Marandi. Daily prayer at home enabled me to be joyful in helping all at home, she said with a smile in front of all the elders gathered.
These experiences are clear examples of their genuine Christian life, said Fr. Christopher Hembrum, SCC coordinator of Dumka diocese. The SCC groups consisting of 7 to 8 families in the parish invited me for Eucharist in their homes, I went to celebrate and to join in their SCC meetings, said Fr. Mathias Hembrum, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart.
Holy Cross Sister Christin Joseph facilitated the session with question answer. Sister Christin shared how her concern for one another increased during this pandemic period when everything was closed. Through whatsApp messages I was united in sharing, she said. She motivated and encouraged the young people to share their experiences.
As my mother insisted me to read the Bible daily as I was not going to school, I read it, said Nikhil Soren of Class VIII. Now I am happy to read it. This has made me joyful, obedient and prayerful, he added with confidence.
Our family prayers have made us to be more loving , forgiving and generous, said Rekha Tudu, another SCC animator. We celebrated the Holy week Liturgy in our family. My husband washed the feet of my children and mine on Holy Thursday. It brought tears to my eyes, added Tudu sharing her faith experience.
We celebrated Holy week Liturgy with four of our neighboring families with procession, Way of the Cross, litany and prayers, added Dorothy Kisku, another SCC animator. We, women celebrated St. Monica’s feast August 27, 2020 without any priest or religious, but with prayer, sharing and cultural program, said Mrs. Esther Murmu. This is the first time we had it without any Mass. Yet we are happy that we could organize and celebrate it meaningfully, added Murmu, the main organizer of the day.
After Pentecost we started the Eucharist with minimum people, said Father Vincent Tudu of St. Joseph’s Parish, Guhiajori. The people’s interest to attend Mass and their response during the liturgy is overwhelming, he added. Pandemic Lockdown is a blessing in disguise, said Sister Christin, National Training Team member of SCCs. It has united the families, deepened the faith, increased the reading of the Bible by all and enabled people to have concern for one another by their charity, added Sister Christin.
Pope Francis was also among the first to warn against online services, and its negative impact on faith, reducing us to just passive observers.
This is good news but contrary to the general run. Pope Francis himself has just observed that the pandemic has exacerbated social divisions. I have noticed that Catholics in general have not learnt any lessons.