06 April,2021 05:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Gaurav Sarkar
Archbishop of Bombay Cardinal Oswald Gracias
The closing down of churches amid the prevailing COVID-19 situation was "inconvenient, but necessary," says Archbishop of Bombay Cardinal Oswald Gracias in an interview with mid-day. He also praised Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for "his honest efforts" at containing the spread.
Excerpts below:
As a Mumbaikar, how do you view the past year?
It has been a stressful year for Mumbaikars, including me, especially because of the uncertainty. At the beginning of the pandemic, we didn't know what the virus was; and then there was confusion about the vaccine. I feel that everybody, including the government, was confused as to what to do and how to handle the situation.
Do you think Maharashtra handled the virus spread better than other states?
Yes, I feel so. I tuned in to the CM's address [online] several times; he was honest in his efforts. A bigger number of cases at the moment does not indicate that it was a failure on the government's part. I was personally very impressed with the way the situation was handled in Dharavi.
How has the pandemic affected the Archdiocese's functioning and how has it adapted to the current situation?
When the pandemic first hit us and everybody was feeling lost, we began online masses and services. I started holding one evening service online every day and continue to do so. During online meetings with the deans, I gave them directions, but I also left it up to their wisdom to handle the situation in their local areas, and conduct services and attend to parishioners. The deanery system has worked very well in this case. Another new thing that I started was putting out video messages. I realised that it was an effective way to reach people.
What have been the main challenges for churches across the Archdiocese over the past year?
The closing down of churches was inconvenient, but necessary. Marriages have to take place in churches and so do burials. It was a tricky spot; we had to abide by the government regulations as well as be sensitive to those who needed access to the church. There were some people who said we must challenge the government. But, no; we need to fall in line because it is for our own good.
What message do you have for Mumbaikars during the second wave?
One thing is clear: we cannot hope to have an absolute pre-COVID situation. We need to start planning and adjusting to a new reality. Mumbaikars are resilient by nature and I'm sure the city will come out on top. It is important that we collaborate with the government at this point. If we don't, we are the ones who will ultimately suffer. Pandemics have happened in the past, too, and they have passed. This, too, shall pass.
