SHILLONG/ TURA: A usually packed audience in churches and their premises and the annual procession of faithful waving palm leaves gave way to empty streets across the state for the first time on the religious celebration of Palm Sunday.
A countrywide lockdown and curfew in the state to halt the spread of the deadly COVID-19 infection has compelled people to remain indoors for two weeks as medics and the government take steps to prevent a widespread outbreak.
In Shillong, the faithful devoted their service hours via live streaming on their devices, be it the television or mobile phones, as the prevailing situation has compelled all to stay home.
In the live streaming of Mass by Don Bosco Media Network on Sunday, Fr Michael Makri and Fr Henry Warbah administered service even as members of various Presbyterian churches prayed from their homes on this holy day.
Meanwhile, in place of attending churches, people in Garo Hills also had to witness the service on their television and mobile phones, where a live streaming took place. Both Christian churches in Garo Hills, the Catholic Diocese of Tura and the Tura Baptist Church of the ABDK conducted their Palm Sunday services and live streamed it to thousands of faithful.
The church also took a proactive role in combating the coronavirus as priests and pastors cautioned devotees on the modes of transmission of the disease and ways to prevent infection.
Auxiliary Bishop of Tura Fr. CJ Jose, in his sermon to the clergy from St. Luke Church at Walbakgre in Tura, said these are trying times and called upon the faithful to put their faith in God and prayers. He also spoke of the significance of Palm Sunday and the compassion of the Lord, who is the saviour of the world.
“We may not be able to attend church service in person during this most holy week of our faith, but as long as we pray at home and keep Jesus in our hearts we shall overcome our difficulties and challenges,” said Jose.
He also appealed to everyone to adhere to the government orders of staying at home, maintaining social distance and practicing good hygiene by regularly washing hands to prevent the infection.
At the Tura Baptist Church, Rev. Wetterfield R Marak highlighted the ongoing health crisis plaguing the country and the world due to coronavirus.
Mentioning the high numbers of people getting infected and losing their lives, Marak appealed to everyone to pray for those affected during this important and religious week which has commenced with the observance of Palm Sunday. Due to the imposition of the lockdown slated to be up to April 14, the entire holy week observance, including Good Friday and Easter, will be impacted due to public gatherings being prohibited leaving no option but for churches to connect with the faithful and the clergy only through the internet live stream of services.
