Faraway from the Ranchi city in the forests bordering the Khunti district of Jharkhand lie some remote villages where many people have been severely affected by the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Already living on the margins of society, and eking out a living from the minor forest products, the inhabitants of these remote villages have been severely hurt by the lockdown and its accompanying effects.
The Ranchi Archdiocese today reached out to over 200 of these families bringing each of them food provisions for two weeks. Each ration parcel contains rice, dal (pulses) grams (chana), soya beans, cooking spices, oil and salt. The food material was acquired through donations given by benefactors and well-wishers.
The provisions were packed by the Nazareth Sisters and their candidates. The Ranchi Catholic Youth under the leadership of Kuldeep Tirkey and Fr. Roshan Tiru along with the Ranchi Archdiocese Seminarians accompanied by Archbishop Felix Toppo SJ and Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas SFX moved to the villages despite the inclement weather.
Archbishop Felix speaking to the people told them that the Church always stands by the poor and is specially close to them in in these difficult times. He thanked the benefactors for their generosity and hoped that with the support of many more people, we would be able to help many more people.
Bishop Theodore addressed those who had come for the food provisions and told them that we come with the love of God. He underlined that we do not look at caste, creed, language or religion and help all those in need. He asked the people to pray for the benefactors and well wishers who made this charity possible. The Parish Priest of the neighbouring parish Hulundu Fr. Hubertus Beck and the Assistant Parish Priest Fr. George Toppo were also present for the distribution.