Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Melbourne (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic Church in Australia has responded to the fire that has been raging in the last several days in the state of Victoria (where the capital is Melbourne), with prayer and solidarity. As a result of the fires that have been devastating the territory, and have rapidly spread due to high winds of up to 100 km per hour, over 180 people have died and the number continues to rise.
The fires, which have swept through Melbourne, have destroyed over 750 homes, leaving 15,000 people homeless and devouring 2,850 km sq. of the territory. Many Christian churches have been destroyed, including Catholic churches in Kinglake and Marysville.
Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne launched an appeal for reconstruction and immediately received substantial aid from other Catholic communities, parishes, associations, schools, and individual donors. Priests, religious, and pastoral workers are working tirelessly to help the families affected by the disaster, who have suddenly found themselves destitute, living as refugees in their own land.
Archbishop Hart has encouraged everyone to make a great effort in generosity and solidarity, mentioning the growing sentiments of anxiety and fear amongst the population, and the despair felt by many families who are in need of material and psychological help.
Bishop Philip Wilson, President of the Australian Bishops' Conference, has issued a message affirming that Catholic aid organizations like the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and Centacare have rapidly responded to the emergency, helping thousands of evacuees.
Director of Catholic Social Services in Melbourne, Denis Fitzgerald, mentioned the immediate response of the Catholic community to the emergency: “The Catholic volunteers have played an important role in the post-disaster response. Schools, agencies, parishes, dioceses across the country have been keen to offer assistance...Within the Catholic community, immediate spiritual assistance and intercession is a priority. Clergy and pastoral assistants in the fire affected areas continue to be very active, and are receiving support from colleagues from other areas.” Among the many needs are food, blankets, and blood donations, which is being provided by the Red Cross. “We are immensely grateful to all those who are working to overcome the emergency,” he concluded. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/2/2009)
