ALDONA: The St Thomas Church, Aldona finally reopened its doors after five months with parish priest Fr Tomas Lobo along with other concelebrants celebrating the first Sunday Mass after the lockdown, which was attended by a limited number of faithful wearing masks and practising social distancing.
It is pertinent to note that those who wished to participate in the Mass had to register well in advance in the Church office. Those who got themselves registered were given a token. However, the registrations were limited only to those above 10 years and below 65 years.
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Fr Lobo along with the coordination committee made elaborate arrangements to commence the daily Mass for a limited number of people by following the guidelines due to the prevailing pandemic. All necessary safety measures were put in place including permission from the Archdiocese.
In all 60 volunteers lent their support in commencing the Mass. Arrangements such as informative boards, sanitisers, posters and thermal scanning were made.
Before the Mass, the Church through a screen presentation created awareness among the people on the mandatory wearing of masks, practising social distancing, etc.
Fr Lobo said, “Due to coronavirus pandemic for the past five months we had to keep our Church closed. After issuing guidelines it was decided to open the Church. Later the Archdiocese in a circular mentioned that the Church can be opened to the public only after taking precautions and adopting safety measures. In the past few months we have been preparing for the same. Finally, today on the first novena of nativity of Mother Mary we are able to celebrate the Mass along with our few parishioners. We are happy that the Church has opened and people can now participate in the Mass. We pray that God may protect us and save us from the coronavirus infection.”
“We have formed a committee and a group of 60 volunteers to help in the opening of the Church. We have implemented SOPs that need to be followed by all such as thermal scanning, use of sanitisers, informative boards, and practising social distancing. We have also put up ‘No Masks, No Entry’ posters. Before the Mass via screen presentation, we created awareness on safety inside the church and at all times,” Fr Lobo said.
“Today, we are happy that the people participated in the Mass. But we could not allow a massive gathering due to SOP. We will celebrate the Eucharist only with limited people. We will go ahead with the support of the coordinating committee by evaluating the situation,” Fr Lobo added.
