Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has called upon the faithful to offer prayers and financial support for victims of devastating natural calamities in several North Indian states. The appeal comes in response to catastrophic floods, cloudbursts, and landslides that have hit Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Bihar, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, leaving over 1,500 people dead and displacing more than one lakh families.
In a circular addressed to parish priests, heads of church institutions, and the people of Goa, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão expressed solidarity with those affected, highlighting the particular vulnerability of children, many of whom have lost parents or guardians.
The Church, through Caritas India, has already deployed teams to assess the situation and coordinate relief and rehabilitation efforts in collaboration with local diocesan social service societies. Archbishop Ferrão urged the faithful to provide monetary assistance to help victims rebuild their lives and restore hope. Donations can be made via cheques, demand drafts, or NEFT to the Caritas-Goa Emergency Calamities account at the Union Bank of India, Panaji, and cash contributions may be handed over at the Treasury Department of the Archbishop’s House.
The Archbishop also requested parish priests and heads of educational and religious institutions to announce the appeal during Sunday Masses and regular meetings, enabling the wider community to participate in the relief drive.
Archbishop Ferrão concluded by invoking God’s inspiration for generosity, calling on the faithful to share in the Church’s mission of compassion and service.
