Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - “After the earthquake tragedy Bishop Celestine Elampassery, of Jammu and Srinagar diocese began immediately to visit the affected areas and organise assistance. St Joseph’s Catholic school and hospital in Baramulla are now centres of co-ordination and distribution of aid. Christian aid agencies were among the first to bring relief aid and assistance”, said Fr Babu Joseph, spokesman for the Indian Bishops’ Conference. Caritas India supplied tents, food and medicine through its network of parish Caritas centres.
“The few Catholic schools and parishes in the affected areas are now centres for aid and shelter for the homeless. The Church bears witness to God’s love for all men and women irrespective of race, culture, religion or caste. Kashmir is a Muslim region so the people the local Church is helping are nearly all Muslims. Christian solidarity knows no barriers”, said Fr Babu Joseph.
As the death toll rises and cold night temperatures threaten the health of survivors Caritas India is distributing over 1,000 blankets daily helping thousands of families: a service appreciated and accepted with deep gratitude.
Mgr Felix Machado under-secretary of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue said: “In India the Church is seen in a very positive light despite fundamental nationalists who campaign against Christians and Catholics in particular. In times of emergency in fact the Church is always a point of reference for humanitarian aid. Indians know they can rely on Catholics to give assistance without discrimination, corruption or preferences. Donations reach those in need. And this is happening now to meet the earthquake emergency in Kashmir where the Catholic community is small but active and generous”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/10/2005 righe 29 parole 295)
