Caritas Goa has appealed to the Parish Priests, Heads of Institutions and other Bodies in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman for Prayers and Financial Assistance to the Victims of Turkey and Syria Earthquake

 

The appeal by Fr Maverick Fernandes, Director, Caritas Goa states, "We are all aware of the enorrnous destruction caused by the earthquake ofthe magnitude of
7.8 and 7 .5 in south Turkey and west Syria in the first week of February 2023. Even as the
rescue operations are on two weeks later, 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."


Calling on for intemational solidarity, the Holy Father Pope Franics expressing his closeness
with the affected people in Turkey and Syria said, "l remain close with all my heart to the people affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. May our concrete aid sustain them during this appalling tragedy".

 

With the mission of global amity, the President of the Catholic
Bishops' Conference of India 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. St. Paul uges us, "Carry each other's
burdens and so you will fu|fil the law of Christ" (Gal.6:2), thus it is time for us to respond to
the present challenge and assist the numerous victims rebuild their lives and faith in
humanity.


This is an appeal to all our Pastors and Superiors of religious institutions to announce the
contents of this Appeal at Sunday masses and regular meetings and thus enable everyone to
take part in this drive of the Church in Goa to bring relief to our suffering brethren in Turkey
and Syria. The generous 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). This, 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 our churches, chapels or institutions.


The present appeal has the full approval and strong endorsement of our Archbishop.


May the Lord inspire us to render our prayerful support and generously share in a special way
in His ongoing Mission of Liberation.