OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Catholic Mission mobilizes for the needs of the Australian population affected by the fires

Sydney (Agenzia Fides) - "Catholic Mission" Australia, which is the National Direction of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Australia, has announced an immediate collaboration with the St. Vincent de Paul Society to offer a concrete contribution in the work of cooperation and solidarity, in order to respond to the national emergency of the fires that, since last September, have been devastating the nation's natural habitat. "This is an infinite, unprecedented massacre, a real environmental catastrophe that is estimated to have burned an area over 84 thousand square kilometers", says a note from Catholic Mission sent to Agenzia Fides.
In order to respond to the crisis, the Australian Catholic Bishops, in addition to promoting fundraising worldwide, wanted to prepare a national plan that involves all Catholic communities. The Pontifical Mission Societies have always taken to heart the needs of communities across the border, but "we recognize that it is difficult to focus on the needs abroad when an unprecedented crisis is under way in Australia", said Father Brian Lucas, National Director of Mission Mission.
For this reason, the PMS sensitize their donors and benefactors to contribute for the needs of the population within Australia: "We have many seriously affected supporters in the dioceses of the whole country. It is our duty to offer a missionary response and equally allow those who want to prioritize their Australian friends, families and companions affected by these devastating forest fires", notes Fr. Lucas.
"The communities along the south coast are struggling with great difficulty. So many people, from local parishes to celebrities, have come together to support those who lost everything. We will do our part", says David Harrison, diocesan director of Catholic Mission in Wollongong.
The missionary organization confirms, however, that the emergency plans aimed at the Australian situation will not interrupt the distribution of funds and the projects already started in Africa, Asia and the Pacific by the Australian PMS. "We recognize the seriousness of the local situation but we must also respect our mission by staying committed to communities that are in great need all over the world", concludes Father Lucas. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 13/1/2020)

Share: