The archdiocese of Calcutta has requested parish priests to arrange help for those in the neighbourhood or in the parish irrespective of religion because the lockdown is affecting the poor and the migrant labourers.

“The lockdown of the country has had a disastrous impact on the poor and migrant labourers. Let us seek such persons in our neighbourhood or parish, irrespective of their religion or language. Let us recognise the face of the suffering Jesus in each one of them and help them,” archbishop Thomas D’Souza said in a circular.

“This will make our Lent fruitful and Easter filled with hope for all. Parish priests are requested to coordinate requests for assistance (financial/material) through the Parish and Seva Kendra Calcutta (social service unit of the archdiocese).”

Several organisations and individuals are coming out to help the poor during the lockdown.

“We cannot come out directly but can use the social communication to provide assistance. There can be some requests which can be handled at the level of parish priests and in some where the parish priests can get in touch with our social service unit, Seva Kendra. The state government is doing but it is a mammoth work and we need to coordinate efforts to help the poor,” the archbishop told Metro.

Church officials said social distancing must be maintained even while rendering help.

“The situation is such that we have to reach out to people who need help and be sensitive to their plight, irrespective of religion,” said Father Dominic Gomes, vicar general of the archdiocese of Calcutta.

In the circular to the clergy and the laity, the archbishop has once again made the “stay home-wash hand-safe distance” appeal.

The Calcutta diocese of the Church of North India has decided to provide two meals to 100 individuals at a temporary shelter in Kalighat for the next 10 days. The initiative started on Sunday under the leadership of Reverend Paritosh Canning, the bishop of the Calcutta diocese.

“We have started with 10 days but we will extend it if the need arises. These people are rag-pickers, or homeless or pavement dwellers, who have been moved to a temporary shelter by the civic authorities. We are reaching out to them with food, “ said Supriyo Dhar of the diocese.