By Verghese V Joseph –
Ranchi: In a noble gesture, the Catholic Church in Ranchi, capital of Jharkhand, went out of its way in appreciating the selfless acts of the frontline warriors such as policemen, sanitation workers and healthcare personnel in the battle against COVID-19.
For the past few days, the Catholic Church in Ranchi has been working in close collaboration with the Government of Jharkhand and especially with the Rai Mahimapat Ray, the Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi and his team.
According to Fr. Sushil Toppo, secretary, Ranchi Archdiocese, the Bishops, Fathers, Sisters and the women and youth wings of the Church can be seen throughout the district rushing to the aid of those in distress. The Catholic Church is already running shelters for stranded migrants in the district. Five shelters which the district administration has described as the model shelters are being run in two in Muri, and one each in Ormanjhi, Tamar and Khalari. Nine other shelters are ready in Hulhundu, Mandar, Kanke are awaiting migrants which are expected in these two weeks.
In addition, the Catholic Church also runs community kitchens for hundreds of people and distributing rations for thousands of people. As pointed by the Deputy Commissioner, the Catholic Church is carrying out its activities of mercy totally from its own private resources, Fr Toppo said in a note.
In a very important and novel gesture, the Catholic Church decided to perform a gesture of appreciation to show gratitude to those in the frontline of the fight against COVID-19.
In consultation with the district administration, the Church has chosen the 600 and more policemen, sanitation workers, health care personnel working in the hotspot Hinpidi of Ranchi for special appreciation. The Church is distributing to them a packet with rations for a family of five for 15 days. The ration includes rice, dal, cooking oil, onions, potatoes, salt, different masalas. Along with the ration a Primary Protective Equipment (PPE) kit containing reusable hand gloves, sanitizer, soaps, face masks are also being given.
Each pack also contains a small note which reads, “In the name of the Citizens we thank you for your courageous, committed and selfless service,” by Archbishop, Bishop, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers and the Catholic Church in Ranchi.
Fr Toppo stated that the distribution was inaugurated this morning at the deputy commissioner’s residence office where two police personnel were delivered the first two bags by the Deputy Commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray, Archbishop Felix Toppo of the Ranchi Archdiocese. Ranchi SSP Anish Gupta, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, the Auxiliary Bishop, Fr. Sushil Toppo, secretary Ranchi Archdiocese and Smita Mutt, a collaborator of the deputy commissioner were also present on the occasion.
The Archbishop appreciated the wonderful work done by the personnel on the frontline. He blessed them and their families and says that all of us are praying for their families and their safety. Earlier in private conversation with the Bishops, the Deputy Commissioner thanked the Bishops, the Fathers, sisters and the Catholic Church for its incredible and selfless service done in this difficult time and using totally its own resources, Fr Toppo added.