MHM’s and pandemic East Africa and India

MHM’s and the pandemic - East Africa and India

Writing from Kenya In July 2021, the MHM East African Regional Superior, Fr Afumaboh J. King reported ‘total lockdown in Uganda; all inter-district movement is prohibited.’ He went on to describe the partial lockdown in Kenya, particularly in the western part of the country. A few of our MHM’s were infected, but thankfully have recovered. In August two of our first African MHM’s, both now working in South Africa, were due to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of their ordination.

An even more grim report came from the Rector of our Formation Centre in Pune, India, Fr Thomas Yellavula mhm. “The pandemic has shaken India to the core, shattered and impacted all life far beyond our wildest imaginings. Neither the Central nor the State Governments were prepared for the devastating impart of Covid 19…a staggering 6.9 new infections were detected during the month of April.” He goes on to describe the lack of medical facilities like beds, drugs, ventilators, and oxygen. The MHM formation community all contracted Covid, but thankfully have recovered, though some members still experience after-effects. Fr Thomas goes on to express his concern for his parents and his brother’s family who suffer from diabetes and are surrounded by desperate people who have contracted Covid but have no access to medical care. He appeals for prayers for his people, and especially to the protection of St Joseph.

Top: Pune Ordinations. Left: Masking in Kenya.