Kohima, May 28 (MExN): The Diocese of Kohima COVID-19 Task Force (DKCTF) was inaugurated online by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima, at Peace Channel office, Bishop’s House Dimapur on May 27.
The inauguration was marked by opening the Control room set up by Fr CP Anto, Director of Peace Channel and Johnny Asin, President of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN).
The Bishop in his message said that the Control Room at Peace Channel will 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 help line number is 18001217119. The center also will coordinate all the activities of the various committees formed to serve the general public better and systematically, a press release received here today informed.
The Bishop reminded the community that, to be involved in the lives of the people who suffer is part and parcel of the social teaching of the Catholic Church. Many Catholics including large number of priests and religious personnel are at the forefront, even facing death to console and alleviate the suffering of the people, he said and added that their courageous service is an inspiration to carry out pastoral, Christian and humanitarian services during these trying times.
Diocese of Kohima COVID-19 Task Force (DKCTF) consists of all sections of the people– Bishop, priests, religious and laity, the release informed.
With Fr CP Anto as Convenor and Fr Philip Magh as Secretary, the DKCTF also has various committees to cater to the needs of the people. Fr Charles S, Director of DAN and Sr Pramila Lobo UFS, will coordinate for distribution of dry rations and other necessities to those in need in and around Dimapur. The Medical Team is to be headed by Fr Chacko Karinthayil, Director of Shalom and Fr Godfrey Director Holistic Centre, Jalukie, along with a team of doctors and nurses.
Fr Sabu Chenackal, Sr Kaisa Mao, Dr Mary CJ, Fr George Rino and Fr Paul Inash OFM will lead the prayer warriors, spiritual support and counselling team.
The media and publicity committee will be coordinated by Fr T T Joseph, Jonas Yanthan and Thomas Magh. It was suggested that the committee could use both print and electronic media to carry out their ministry.
Fr TT Jose is also exploring the possibility of financial assistance to families who have lost their bread winner due to COVID-19, provided they apply for it with death certificate or at least with COVID positive test result of the deceased person to AIDA (Don Bosco School campus, Dimapur), the release added.
Fr Philip Magh, Elias T Lotha and Dr Lawrence Lotha will coordinate with volunteers to help in carrying out various activities of the committees. The Finance committee will be headed by Fr CP Anto along with Johnny Asin, Sr Emilin CMC, Sr Catherine SABS, Fr CM Joseph Sdb and Fr Benny Sdb.
The task force is also exploring the possibility of starting two COVID Care Centres very shortly, it informed.
