By Matters India Reporter
Pondicherry, July 2, 2022: Archbishop Francis Kalist of Pondicherry-Cuddalore has tested Covid positive and was quarantined in Rome.
The archdiocesan office has informed the cancellation of all programs of the archbishop until further information and urged people to pray for the prelate’s speedy recovery.
Archbishop Kalist went to Rome on invitation from Pope Francis to receive the pallium on June 29, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
He was among 52 metropolitan archbishops selected to receive the pallium.
Archbishop Kalist had shaken hands with Pope Francis when he received the pallium.
The pallium is an ecclesiastical vestment bestowed upon metropolitans and primates as a symbol of their conferred jurisdictional authorities.
The pallium is made of white wool, symbol of the bishop as the good shepherd and, at the same time, of the Lamb Crucified for the salvation of the human race.
Pope Benedict XVI made reference to it in his homily for the Mass inaugurating his ministry on April 24, 2005: “The symbolism of the pallium is even more concrete: the lamb’s wool is meant to represent the lost, sick or weak sheep which the shepherd places on his shoulders and carries to the waters of life.”
Archbishop Kalist was earlier the bishop of Meerut in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. On March 19 this year, Pope Francis appointed him the metropolitan archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddalore.
He was born on November 23, 1957, in Reethapuram, Tamil Nadu. He was ordained a priest for Meerut diocese on December 30, 1982.
He became the Meerut bishop on December 3, 2008, succeeding Bishop Patrick Nair, the diocese’s second prelate.
May Almighty God bring speedy recovery to belovesd Bishop Kalist and allow him to fulfil the plan of God for him on this earth. Thank you Jesus. God is Good. Amen.
Our beloved bishop is healed shield by the precious blood of jesus. Fervent for his grace a speech recovery. Mamma Mary we need our Good Shepherd bishop Francis Kalist, interceed n may the HOLY TRINITY showers abundance grace, mercy n blessings.
It is my personal view that many Catholic Dioceses in India do not follow the “COVID Preventive Measures” like wearing mask, using hand sanitizer and maintaining social distance. For the past one month the COVID cases are on the increase in Tamil Nadu. The state government has been reminding the general public everyday to follow the COVID Preventive Measures.
A classic example: Last week my wife, daughter and I visited Velankanni church (Thanjavur diocese) and spent a day there. What I witnessed was shocking. Hardly 10 to 15 percent pilgrims were wearing masks. Even priests and nuns were not wearing masks. No Hand Sanitizer was found in the church for the public use. There was no public announcement either inside the church or outside the follow the government’s instructions. Surprisingly, many private hotels/restaurants and lodges followed some of these measures like masks and hand sanitizer.
My wife, daughter and I were wearing masks. But…people looked at us as “strange beings”. Very sad indeed!
I wonder whether this Archbishop carried the COVID virus from India!?! This possibility cannot be excluded.
May our Mighty Healer extend His Holy, Merciful hand upon archbishop Kalist.
Praying for his speedy recovery