By Fr. Tom Mangattuthazhe –
‘My times are in your hands’ (Psalm 31:15).
When we apply this biblical statement during these pandemic times, we realise that it is only God and His plan that survives. Whatever is to come out of our lives is in God’s hand. He guards and protects the vine branches of our lives.
The above message of the scripture is an apt experience in the life of Fr. Paul O. Lyngkot SDB, Provincial, Shillong province who was quarantined not once but twice! The first one was during the peak of the pandemic in Italy during 2020. He shares his experiences of his life with Covid-19 in Italy and India. Excerpts:
How difficult was the quarantine period in Italy?
On 31 January 2020, I left for Italy to attend the general chapter of the Salesian congregation. From 14th February to 15th March, I was in Turin where I had 111 days of quarantine experience. At Turin campus where I was staying, I witnessed deaths, the few confreres who passed away were united with God, they dedicated themselves to prayer and acceptance of the reality in the company of the saints, the devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary was a great source of strength.
How you were infected by the Corona virus?
On April 21 this year, when I was busy with my work I developed symptoms and took medicines from a doctor, Dr. Agarwala. On the 24 of April, I went again to meet him, got more medicines and came back, and got busy with my work again. When my health was deteriorating, on 28 of April I decided to go to Nazareth Hospital Shillong for a test. It was there that I was confirmed with Covid-19. I was not allowed to go home but was put in the isolation room.
How was your experience in Nazareth hospital?
When I was told that I was tested positive I was not afraid, I accepted it willingly. I used to ask the Sisters at the Hospital, ‘Sister what is next?’ I was shifted to Covid room and then to ICU. My lungs were badly affected. ‘Lord where am I?’ Help me to accept willingly the treatment given by the doctors. The doctors told me so many things, they told me not to come out of my room. I was given oxygen. I was told to fight the virus. I was asked to cooperate with the doctors. Constantly I was told to do this and that. I switched off my mobile phone. Sr. Norin of Nazareth hospital Shillong was in communication with my family and my community at Mathias Institute Shillong. Thanks to my conferrers and all those who prayed I was critical. The power of prayer worked. The people prayed earnestly including the Archbishop of Shillong, Most Rev.Victor Lyngdoh with the continued celebration of holy Eucharist. There were also several people in front of the Blessed Sacrament in adoration, they prayed the divine mercy chaplet, prayed the Rosary and so on.
There was a kind of inner power and inner strength in me which gave me confidence that I will be healed, that I will get well soon. It was a question of life and death. On 28 of April 2021, a friend of mine was brought from Jaintia Hills at 8 pm. That friend of was also in the same ICU room. He was brought too late, the doctors tried their best but they could not save him and he died.
I was asked to lie down for 12 hours a day. I did all these difficult exercises every day. It was painful for me but I would always respond to the doctors saying that I was okay, that I was doing fine. The doctors encouraged me a lot. I would often tell myself that “Yes, God is there.” I have the habit of praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Holy Rosary and I did this continually also prayed for the nurses and the doctors and the people.
I was healed with the power of God. God intervened and I am convinced that God still wants me to be his effective servant, to work for His people. I am now 90% okay.
How dangerous do you feel the virus was?
I was not afraid of the virus. The virus is dangerous no doubt but it depends on how one accepts the virus and how well one takes the treatment given and how one sees the virus. I had to accept the fact and work it out along with the health workers to get healed. The virus becomes more dangerous if people don’t take care of themselves. One needs to fight it out of fear.
How did you take care of yourself?
I obeyed the doctors and nurses. I was in bed for 12 days. I never came out of the room. For two weeks I did not see the toilets. I just lied down on the bed. I could not get sleep. There was no sugar in the tea, no salt in the food, still, I drank and ate willingly. There was a kind of inner strength in him. I did not fail to do the exercise. I would move from one activity to another–morning exercise, prayer, medicine, exercise, work, lunch, medicine, and rest for one hour, work, exercise, walk, prayer, bath, tea, work, prayer, supper, medicine and at 10.30 pm, I would go to bed. I am now 90% okay.
How did you deal with the virus mentally?
I believe in the power of meditation. While breathing in I would say “Jes” and while breathing out I would say “us” (Jesus). With this, I felt the presence of Jesus in my mind heart and life. I have experienced the power of Jesus.
How were you able to fight and win the battle against the coronavirus?
We should not be afraid because God is with us. Offer to God who is the creator, who gives life and everything else. God is with us. The saints, Mother Mary, St. Joseph and the angels are with us to intercede for us. I invite you to have courage and hope in God. We need to take care of ourselves, accept willingly the treatment given, and cooperate with the health workers when one is taken to a hospital. Follow the advice and direction of the doctors and government officials and we shall overcome this pandemic.