Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Melbourne (Fides Service) - Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne has said that “parishes communities and individuals have been deep in prayer and practical and financial support for those who had their livelihood destroyed by the December 26 tsunami have shown that they can lay aside indifference to embrace the seas of Lent that forces us to come to terms with the ‘tsunami’ of sin and evil in our lives.” In his pastoral Letter for Lent, issued to parishes all over the diocese, the Archbishop speaks of a “search for God which continues through prayer, fasting and works of charity”. He said this includes “regular taking part in the Mass, pondering the presence of Christ in Eucharistic Adoration, the Way of the Cross and other prayers which lead us to the Easter mysteries of our faith”.
“By fasting and self-denial we can contribute to Project Compassion and continue the magnificent response of giving to others which has begun already this year in the Caritas Tsunami Appeal”, he says. In Australia the beginning of Lent is marked by the launch of Project Compassion appeal for Caritas Australia.
Caritas Australia already raised more than $12 million for countries affected by the tsunami to provide basic health and shelter needs, water purification, the masse burials and funerals of the dead.
In the letter the Archbishop recalls that further development aid in urgently required for the people of Sudan, East Timor, Cambodia, Bougainville and many other countries: “It is imperative that the poverty, lack of education and poor health systems which allow so many people to die, be addressed” he affirms.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/2/2005 righe 27 parole 276)
