PANAJI
Caritas Goa has appealed for financial assistance and prayers for victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
In appeal to parish priests, heads of institutions and other bodies in this archdiocese, Caritas Goa Director Fr Maverick Fernandes said the UN has projected the death toll to cross over half-a-lakh in the two neighbouring countries.
“Besides the loss of lives, the extent of devastation has been massive flattening thousands of buildings and other infrastructural amenities, rendering huge populations homeless to live like refugees,” stated Fr Fernandes.
“With the mission of global amity, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has appealed to express prayerful solidarity and support and make voluntary contributions to these crisis-ridden countries.”
“The Church in Goa has always been at the forefront to comfort the affected victims of natural calamities through generous financial assistance. It is time for us to respond to the present challenge and assist the numerous victims rebuild their lives and faith in humanity.”
Fr Fernandes has appealed to all Pastors and Superiors of religious institutions to announce the contents of the Appeal at Sunday Masses and regular meetings, to enable everyone to take part in this drive of the Church in Goa to bring relief to our suffering brethren in Turkey and Syria.
He said monetary contributions in cheques and demand drafts may be drawn in favour of Caritas Goa Emergency Calamities, A/c 520101219522622 (Savings A/c), IFSC Code UBIN0902594, Union Bank, Panaji Branch, (kindly email to caritas@caritasgoa.org a note that the amount is towards Turkey and Syria disaster).
Cheques along with cash donations may be handed over to the respective parish priests or at the Caritas-Goa office, Instituto N.S. Piedade, Panaji, which will also receive any collections
made in churches, chapels or institutions.
Fr Fernandes added that the appeal has the full approval and strong endorsement of Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao.
