The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, has issued a heartfelt appeal urging Catholics in Goa to unite in prayer and extend generous financial assistance to families affected by the recent wave of floods, cloudbursts, and landslides across India.
The disasters, which struck Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, have left more than 1,500 people dead, countless others missing, and over a lakh families without homes or livelihoods. Among the worst affected are children, many of whom have lost parents or guardians.
In his September 13 circular, Cardinal Ferrão expressed deep solidarity with the grieving families and called on parish priests and church leaders to mobilise support. “It is my humble appeal to seek your generous monetary assistance to respond to those in distress in order to help them rebuild their lives and strengthen their faith in humanity,” he wrote.
The Archbishop has asked that the appeal be announced during Sunday Masses and parish meetings, ensuring widespread awareness. Donations may be sent through Caritas-Goa, which is working alongside Caritas India to coordinate relief and rehabilitation in the affected regions. Contributions can also be handed in at the Archbishop’s House Treasury Department in Panjim.