Joining other church agencies in responding to the devastating bombings, which have killed over 250 people, Catholic Mission last week launched an appeal to supporters to help the nation heal. Following the destruction, devastation and loss of life, Catholic Mission is helping the community get back on their feet.
National Director of Catholic Mission, Father Brian Lucas, said the mission organisation’s focus would be on rebuilding the Sri Lankan Catholic Church infrastructure and parish communities as part of the long recovery process. “The Pontifical Mission Societies played a significant role in building the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka in the past,” he said. “Under tragic circumstances we are now called upon to be there to help rebuild once again”.
Fr Lucas’ counterpart in Sri Lanka, Fr Basil Rohan Fernando, outlined some of those needs in a statement this week. “As National Director, I am trying to launch programs to provide immediate relief to children and families affected by the bombing and to provide long-term trauma counselling and spiritual care to help victims and their families rebuild their lives. We appeal to you to come forward to assist us in carrying out these programs however you can. We are taking every opportunity to be of help and support to the affected in every way possible. We kindly look forward to your generous assistance in our darkest hours.”
Diocesan Director of Catholic Mission Mr Mark Toohey said, “For what is one of the world's largest networks, the global Catholic community is closely bound by our shared faith. We stand in prayerful and practical solidarity beside our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka—from all backgrounds—as they come to terms with this tragedy and begin what must seem an unthinkable healing process," he said. “Catholic Mission’s role is to assist the Catholic community in Sri Lanka to its feet by helping to fully restore their places of worship and other pastoral needs as required.”
Catholic Mission is asking for your help in supporting their aid efforts on the ground in Sri Lanka.
Please CLICK HERE to support Catholic Mission and the people of Sri Lanka.
