PANAJI
Expressing solidarity and sympathy with thousands of people who have lost their homes and other possessions due to floods and landslides in Kerala, Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao has sent out an appeal in the archdiocese seeking prayers and financial assistance to the victims.
As an immediate contribution of the Church in Goa towards the relief operations, Archbishop Ferrao said the archdiocese has already sent to Caritas-India a significant amount as aid. In a circular to parish priests, heads of institutions and other bodies of the Archdiocese, the Archbishop said the natural disaster had caused huge loss of property and life, with over two lakh people rendered homeless.
“Caritas-India, the social service wing of the Church for humanitarian work, has already swung into action and is joining hands with the government and other agencies to provide immediate relief and assistance to the affected people,” said Archbishop Ferrao.
“In this hour of pain, we need to reach out to our brothers and sisters in distress, not only through our prayers, but also extending a helping hand. The Church in Goa has been generous in the past, when natural calamities of this nature have created havoc in the lives of whole populations,” said Archbishop Ferrao. Stating that time has come to rise up again to the call of distress, the archbishop appealed to the people to respond to this new challenge and help the people of Kerala to reconstruct their lives and strengthen their faith in humankind.
“We welcome your personal generous monetary contributions. Cheques and demand drafts may be drawn in favour of Caritas-Goa Emergency Calamities, A/c 520101219522622, Corporation Bank, Panaji Branch (IFSC Code-CORP0000259, MICR Code-403017002) (with a note that the amount is towards Kerala Disaster).”
“Cheques and demand drafts, along with cash donations, may be handed over to the respective parish priests or at the Caritas-Goa office, Institute N S Piedade, Panaji, which will also receive any special collections made in our churches, chapels or institutions,” said Archbishop Ferrao.
He has appealed to pastors as well as superiors of educational and other religious institutions to announce the contents of his circular at Sunday Masses and regular meetings and “thus enable everyone to take part in this drive of the Church in Goa to bring relief to our suffering brethren.”
