PANAJI
Caritas Goa, the society wing of Archdiocese of Goa, has implored people to reach out to those in need and affected by the lockdown, irrespective of creed and ethnicity, by mobilising charitable outreach events, provisions, assistance and financial resources towards the cause.
In an appeal to the pastoral clergy, women and men Religious and lay faithful, Caritas Goa Director Fr Maverick Fernandes said the country has begun unlocking in phases, in an attempt to resume life.
“However, we are faced with a situation in which marginalisation and vulnerability of some people have increased, due to the loss of jobs, crash in business activities, food insecurity, ambiguity of employment and increased deprivation, amidst the phenomenon of astronomical pricing of crucial supplies.”
“Moreover, the general anxiety has escalated mental health issues, leading even to suicidal inclinations. The effects of isolation and economic distress have created an immense psychological stress on the well-being of individuals, daily wage labourers, lonely senior adults, the sick, the disabled, single mothers, migrants, orphans, the homeless, all of them require our attention, concern and care,” said Fr Fernandes.
“Although the Church responded to this situation with concern and admirable compassion, we cannot remain complacent that we have helped some persons or whoever sought our help. It is time to be proactive and go in search of 'the lost, the least and the last,' in order to reach out in genuine pastoral charity.”
Fr Fernandes has urged the pastoral clergy, women and men religious and lay faithful in the Archdiocese (particularly PPC and SCC animators, SSVP members, young volunteers, etc.) to organise charitable outreach, irrespective of creed and ethnicity, in their respective parishes.
“We propose that provisions should be made for either a weekly ration or a monthly stipend -- as per the size of the family -- and for necessary medicines, particularly for the older adults, the sick, the disabled and for all who are in genuine need.”
“We would like to remind that financial resources could be accessed from the Good Samaritan Fund of the Parish (wherever it is established) or from the various Church bodies (Fabricas, Cofres, Confrarias, etc.). Parishes with insufficient resources can seek assistance from the Good Samaritan Fund of the Diocese,” said Fr Fernandes.
Referring to Pope Francis’ latest encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti’, urging people to devote themselves to fraternity and social friendship, Fr Fernandes said, “Now is the time as the opportunity is knocking at our door to express our social friendship by witnessing to Jesus and going in search of our neighbour in the present Covid-19 pandemic situation.”
