While churches in Goa are preparing to restart their Eucharistic celebrations and other church services by November 15, the compulsions of social distancing during the pandemic has unfortunately rendered our churches both sterile and distanced for their parishioners. Thanks to the internet and online masses, the faithful though physically-separated, continue to remain spiritually-connected, though sacramentally-deprived of the Eucharistic meal of Holy Communion. This lacuna could very well have been filled, had our clergy been reminded of their pastoral and ministerial obligations of reaching out to the sick, the disabled and the aged of their parish in times of need, through weekly visits, and the administration of Holy Communion. We also have several Eucharistic lay ministers and parish council members in every parish, whose services could have been availed of. Unfortunately, nothing of this sort was witnessed, which is a poor reflection of our missionary zeal and spirit.
A F Nazareth, Alto Porvorim
