Nirmala Carvalho

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends the lockdown on businesses and travel until 3 May. More than 120 million day labourers have become destitute all at once. “I thought I could help my family by coming to Mumbai to work. But now I have nothing,” said one labourer. The Pahunch charity has provided food parcels to 800 tribal migrants.

This morning the Archbishop of Bombay led the Way of the Cross in the cathedral. The relic is a gift from the city of Brescia and the family of Paul VI. Maharashtra is the Indian state most affected by the coronavirus outbreak with 1,364 cases and 97 deaths.

Sister Sienna, 73, from Jharkhand might be the first missionary of Charity to die from the infection. Her convent in Swansea is now on a lockdown with the whole community infected. The convent in Paris is also in isolation with one nun in serious conditions.

Ashfaq Alamis, 43, and his mother-in-law Fazila Bibi, 62, are unemployed, without money or food. They risk being evicted. The country's "lockdown" has created a flood of 120 million jobless migrants. "My dignity has also been taken away from me." Premier Modi invites all Indians to light a candle on April 5 at 9pm "to fight the darkness" of the coronavirus.

About 170 families received food and other aid in the Diocese Vasai. After the government imposed a quarantine, people are out of work and money. Many are not entitled to food rations provided by the state. The risk of contagion is high.

To date, official data reports 1637 positive cases and 38 deaths. But experts predict up to 300 million infected people. Migrant day laborers left without work, without home, without food. Frederick D’Souza and his faithful offer money and food to the bricklayers in the slum near the parish. “A vast and unprecedented migration. I fear it will cause a tragedy, a human catastrophe. "

The mass exodus from large cities involves millions of poor people. Coronavirus cases reach 1,251. The diocese distributes food parcels to all those who return to the city. Celebrities test positive and "receive excellent treatment".

Millions of people made unemployed, return to their villages of origin. Premier Modi apologizes for the difficulties caused by the total blockade. Parishes, dioceses and Christian associations assist migrants, Dalits and refugees. Priest: "They call them 'rat eaters'. Our help is a blessing”.

In India, the Covid-19 test costs too much: US$13. The country is unable to apply WHO health directives. There are not enough public laboratories. Private ones should be involved, but first they need to be prepared. Quarantine, social distancing and innate immunity could help isolate the infection.

The National Council of Churches in India and the Indian Evangelical Alliance have taken up the pontiff's invitation. Felix Machado: "People are terrified and anxious; the situation asks us to witness a profound faith". Rev. Vijayesh Lal, EFI secretary general: “We ask all communities to pray and take care of the elderly and unemployed people”.

Fr. Pauly Padayatty was later released on bail. Police arrested other people who participated in rallies and processions in temples and mosques. Card. Gracias celebrates online and makes new arrangements for funerals and confessions.

The St Catherine of Siena facility is home to 75 poor children without parents, aged 5 to 18. Because of the outbreak, a skeleton staff of three cares for them. A mobile medical clinic visits every week. The children enjoy a plant-based diet, games and study.