Catholic church constitutes Covid-19 task force

Dimapur, May 29 (EMN): Bishop of Kohima Rev. Dr. James Thoppil inaugurated the Diocese of Kohima Covid-19 Task Force (DKCTF) by opening a control room on May 27 at the office of Peace Channel, Bishop’s House, Dimapur.

Speaking at the inaugural function, the bishop stated that the control room at Peace Channel would collect information, disseminate, coordinate and process the information and connect with people who need various services. The help line number of the control room is 6909617895 and toll free helpline number is 18001217119, an update from the publicity committee desk stated. The centre would also coordinate all the activities of the various committees formed to serve the public better and systematically.

Bishop reminded the community that Catholic church has been very proactive and at the forefront in addressing various social and health issues of the people throughout the history whenever human beings were afflicted with various types of maladies such as epidemics, plagues, black death, leprosy, smallpox, tuberculosis, yellow fever etc.

He added that many Catholics including a large number of priests and religious personnel were at the forefront courageously, even facing death to console and alleviate the suffering of the people. He, therefore, encouraged to draw inspiration from the past leaders in carrying out the priestly and religious services in pastoral, Christian and humanitarian services during this trying time. 

It mentioned that the Diocese of Kohima Covid-19 Task Force (DKCTF) consisted of all sections of the people of God – Bishop, priests, religious and laity.

Fr. CP Anto would be its convener and Fr. Philip Magh as the secretary. They have formed various committees to cater to the various needs of the people. It added that Fr. Charles S, director of DAN, and Sr. Pramila Lobo UFS, would coordinate in the distribution of the dry rations and other necessities to those in need in and around Dimapur.

The task force has also constituted a medical team headed by Fr. Chacko Karinthayil, director of Shalom, and Fr. Godfrey, director of Holistic Centre, Jalukie, along with a team of doctors and nurses.

Fr. Sabu Chenackal, Sr. Kaisa Mao, Sr. Mary CJ, Fr. Paul Inashe and Fr. George Rino would lead the prayer warriors, spiritual support and counselling team.

The media and publicity committee would be coordinated by Fr. TT Joseph, Jonas Yanthan and Thomas Magh.

Fr. Philip Magh, Elias T Lotha and Dr. Lawrence Lotha would coordinate volunteers to help in carrying out various activities of the committees. Finance committee is headed by Fr. CP Anto along with Johnny Asin, Sr. Emilin CMC, Sr. Catherine SABS, Fr. CM Joseph Sdb and Fr. Benny Sdb.

It further stated that the task force is also exploring the possibility of starting two Covid Care Centres very shortly.