Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brisbane (Agenzia Fides) – The Archbishop of Brisbane, Archbishop John Bathersby, expressed his solidarity and support to the flood victims and to their families, testifying that the Church is “determined to do everything we can to assist them.” In a message published in the Archdiocese weekly, the Catholic Leader, Archbishop Bathersby states: “Our prayers are with all those who have been affected by this flood through the loss of their homes, properties and possessions. I have asked the main agencies of the archdiocese (including education, welfare and parish services) to plan the Church's central response to the recovery in South East Queensland, as similar planning occurs in other dioceses throughout Queensland. The Brisbane St Stephen's Cathedral precinct,” he continued, “suffered minimal damage, and the archdiocese is seeking to do what it can for parishioners, staff and the wider community.” Among the Church's initiatives: to identify accommodation available within the archdiocese to house people in need; assist parishes to rebuild in the most affected areas; provide resource kits on government grants available to individuals; establish a flood counselling phone line with the assistance of Centacare's counsellors and finally to establish a Catholic Emergency Relief Fund to provide more targeted financial assistance to those in greatest need. (AP) (20/1/2011 Agenzia Fides)
