By Matters India Reporter
Ahmedabad: The Catholic Church in Gujarat has lost five priests in 24 hours as the second wave of the Covie-19 pandemic continues to create havoc in India.
“It is a particularly sad time for us in the Church of Gujarat that we have lost five priests in less than a day,” bemoans Jesuit Father Cedric Prakash, an acitivist of human rights, reconciliation and peace and a writer based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s commercial capital.
Two of the deceased priests were from Father Prakash’s congregation while others were a diocesan, a Carmelite of Mary Immaculate and a Divine Word Society.
Father Prakash, who had composed a “Prayer in the time of pandemic” a year ago, noted that Covid-19 has claimed several priests and nuns across in India in the past one year.
The five Catholic priests were among 97 deaths reported in Gujarat in the 24 hours on April 17.
The western Indian state reported 9,541 new coronavirus cases which was the highest on a single day.
Jesuit Father Erwin Lazarado, died 2:15 am on April 17 at New Life Para Medical Premium Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat. The 58-year-old was a Jesuit for 37 years and a priest for 25 years. Since 2013, he was suffering from Cancer (multiple myeloma). A couple of days ago he was diagnosed with pneumonia and tested Covid-19 positive.
Gujarat Jesuit province also lost Father Jesuraj Arputham, who died at 5:25 pm on April 16 in a hospital at Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. The 60-year-old priest had joined the Society of Jesus 39 years ago.
Father Jesuraj had gone home for Easter after five years. He had booked his return flight after Easter, but developed mild diarrhea that he thought was due to special food preparations at home. When his condition turned serious, his family members rushed him to the hospital where he died. He was a parish priest in Dhandhuka, a remote tribal village in Ahmedabad district.
Father Paulraj Nepoleon, a priest of Baroda diocese, died at 8 am on April 17. The 38-year old was ordained a priest only five years ago. After he was tested Covid 19 positive, Father Nepoleon was admitted at Kasturba Hospital in Valsad, Gujarat, says a message from Father John Raju, bishop’s secretary.
Divine Word Father Rayyappan died April 17 morning in Dahod’s St Francis Hospital under Baroda diocese. The 56-year-old missionary had served the diocese for the past 35 years.
Father John Fisher Painadath, a member of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, died April 16 at Christ Hospital in Rajkot. He suffered a heart attack as he was undergoing treatment for Covid-19 infection. He was buried April 16 at the headquarters of the congregation’s Rajkot province following Covid-19 protocol. Father Painadath was born on June 28, 1929, and was ordained a priest on April 4, 1957.
Felt so sad to hear that 14 priests passed away within a month by covid 19. R IP.Each one of us pray daily for the welfare of priests. And also for the pupil. Encourage one another to face boldly this virus with prayer and necessary safe guard to ourselves. Sr. Bensitta
The Good Lord Jesus never fails in His promises. That does not mean one can take advantage of His promises. God helps only those who help themselves. He provides protection by abiding the precautions laid by the govt. of India and states. Abide by these restrictions through which God’s power flows through to save. Be sinless to receive the Power of God to be safe at all times.
Very sad. Respectful farewell to Frs Erwin, Jesuraj, Paulraj, Rayyappan, and Painadath. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon the departed souls.
May the merciful god receive their perfect gift of self and be glorified.
Dear priests,please take care stay safe
you are precious to us
may God take care of each one of you
we do continue to pray for you all
take care, first live to serve lord and his people please.
It is sad indeed but in reality and practicality some should risk their life to save the other. It’s challenging and demanding yet meaningful service of any human being very specially priests and religious who are specially called to sacrifice our life for the lost and the least.
Dear Priests and religious. Please take all measures to follow safety rules of COVID 19. GOD ALWAYS PROTECTS. BUT MUST NOT TEST
HIM. YOU ALL ATE VERY PRECIOUS TO US.
All priests and religious please be precaucious ans take all steps to safe guard yourselves. You are precious to us.
At least when sadness prevails around , let us avoid teasing anyone however bad . We are not perfect.
Sad as this is, perhaps one also needs to investigate the overall mental and physical health of the clergy and religious. Have they casually exposed themselves to unnecessary risks of covid infection?
Sad news indeed. May the diseased be found worthy to share in the Kingdom of God when Jesus returns to judge the dead and living. Condolences to all those who knew them.
Sad though, the Covid 19 does not distinguish between Jesus’ alter egos and commoners.