Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Fides Service) - The Church in Australia is sending prayers and support to tsunami victims. Archbishop Francis Carrol, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference expressed his prayerful sympathy in messages to the presidents of the Bishops Conferences of the affected countries assuring them of support and solidarity of the Church in Australia.
Caritas Australia, the Church’s overseas aid agency, responded immediately to the disaster and is working with its partners in the affected areas. It also launched an Earthquake Appeal to collect funds to which the people promptly responded. “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the Australian people to the call for assistance and thank them wholeheartedly”, Archbishop Carroll said. “We must continue this support in the months and years ahead as our neighbour countries try to rebuild shattered lives and communities”.
Director of Caritas Australia Jack De Groot said there had been a major increase in support to its Earthquake Appeal over the last weekend as thousands of Catholics attended Mass and special services to pray for those devastated by the unfolding disaster. Caritas Australia has already received 1.4 million dollars which will go to Caritas offices in India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. De Groot told Fides: “27% of the Australian population is Catholic and we know of their extraordinary generosity to suffering communities through their support of Caritas Australia” He also said parishes throughout Australia will be praying for the millions of people affected by this disaster over the weekend in the weeks to come that they may be filled with the comfort and strength of the Holy Spirit.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 04/01/2005 Righe: 25 Parole: 286)
