Christian community in Northeast celebrate Easter at homes due to ongoing lockdown

*Faithfuls pray for COVID-free world

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: As religious places have been kept out of bounds from people due to the ongoing lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Christian community in Assam, as well as other parts of the North East on Sunday, celebrated the Easter by keeping themselves confined to their homes.

“Abiding by the lockdown guidelines, we didn’t have people in our church. We have asked them to imagine that they are in the church participating in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. I am happy that people responded by praying at home,” Archbishop of Guwahati John Moolachira told The Sentinel.

Archbishop Moolachira, who is also the chairman of NE Regional Catholic Bishops Conference, has appealed to the Christian community as well as the people from all faiths to pray seeking God’s intervention to make the world free from coronavirus. “While human efforts are already on to battle against COVID, the intervention of the Almighty will make the battle of human easy and ensure the victory of human beings against the virus,” the Archbishop said.

The religious feasts such as Easter and Christmas are marked by solemn liturgies that are attended by the faithfuls in large numbers. These festivals are followed by celebrations, greetings and hugs.

“Resurrection of Jesus promises that things can be new again. Why is the coronavirus pandemic worrying all of us who believe in a good and rational God, creator of the Universe, supreme intelligence and love? Our future is filled with wonderful new possibilities. God is alive in His creation and is with us everywhere. We just need courage, show boldness, hold on to our faith and live life to the full despite the gloom and constraints. I pray that we experience newness of life and live in hope,” Father VM Thomas, a Catholic priest and the man behind setting up of Don Bosco Group of institutions in NE said.

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