Poona Diocese instructs its member priests to avoid shaking hands with parishioners; Bishop declines to offer hand to kiss ring

The fear of H1N1 virus, which has claimed over 118 lives in Pune, has now gripped the city churches.

In a bid to protect people from contracting the dreaded virus, the Poona Diocese has instructed all its member priests to avoid shaking hands with parishioners.

What's more, members say that now, even the Bishop doesn't offer his hand to churchgoers who want to kiss the Bishop's ring.

"It's true that we have taken several measures to protect ourselves and our parishioners from swine flu. Firstly, priests are told to avoid shaking hands with people. Besides, even the Bishop has stopped offering his hand frequently. Usually people pay obeisance by kissing his ring. However, in wake of swine flu in the city, it is advisable for people to avoid the contact," said Rev Fr George D'souza, vicar general of Pune.

While Bishop of Pune, Right Reverend Fr Thomas Dabre was unavailable for comment as he was out of town, Fr D'souza his next in command, said that the churches were also asked to stop offering holy water at entrances.

Before entering the church, parishioners dip their fingers in this water and bless themselves. "Many people dip their hands in the holy water basin, which can lead to spread of the virus. That's the reason we have been asked to keep the bowls empty," said Fr Marian D'silva, parish priest of St Joseph's Church in Ghorpuri.

Besides that, the priests have also started giving the Holy Communion (bread and wine that symbolises the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ) on the hand rather than the tongue as it was done earlier.

"We give it on the hand now to avoid spreading more infections," said Fr Edwin Joseph, parish priest of St Anthony's Church in Shivaji Nagar.

Tech savvy
Starting a new trend in the city, a church in Chinchwad has installed an electronic dispenser machine that dispenses holy water.

Fr Simon Almeida said that the machine has been gifted by Titus Pereira, a parishioner.

"It was installed this week and the idea was received well by all. The machine dispenses two-three drops of holy water at a time. Although we miss the traditional bowl, I believe this is a healthier option," he said.

Fr Almeida added that the machine costs between Rs 4,000 and 5,000. "I'm sure many more churches in the city would want to have this."