By Matters India Reporter
Panaji: The archdiocese of Goa-Daman plans to open one of its spiritual renewal centers for people who require self-quarantine during this coronavirus pandemic time.
Father Savio Fernandes, assistant director Caritas-Goa, says they have sent five nurses to undergo training in Heathway Hospital to take charge of the service in St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa.
“We are beginning with 40 beds, including 10 with oxygen facility,” the priest told Matters India.
According to him, many religious responded to Archbishop Filippe Neri Ferrao’s request.
“We require nurses who have completed two doses of vaccination. We need many nurses to work in shifts. Our service may go on for a month or more as per the need. Required equipment are also on the way,” Father Fernandes added.
Speaking about the decision open 80-room center in Old Goa Archbishop Ferrao said the Society of St Vincent De Paul had urged him to do something for the people in this pandemic. Hospitals are overcrowded and no beds are available for patients. There was a person going around for 48 hours not knowing were to stay for quarantine, the prelate narrated.
“Our institutions are for the people. We are trying to set up some rooms for self-quarantine. We have two Doctors available for us. We are now looking for more nurses. Most of them including the retired nurses are engaged by the Government,” the archbishop said.
He said the archdiocesan center will people’s requirement for food and basic needs. “We will spend as much money as needed to save lives,” he said. “Sometimes even priests have no facility in their parish houses for isolation,” he added.
Meanwhile Goa has imposed lockdown from May 3 to 10 in view of surging Covid 19 cases in the state,
St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre was inaugurated in 2014 to offer a haven for prayer, reflection, study and spiritual nourishment.
The center aims to help people grow unto the fullness of Christ in the footsteps of St Joseph Vaz by believing in the transforming power of God’s love and the illuminating presence of the Spirit.
The timely initiative is appreciated.