From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Apr 26: The Metropolitan Archbishop of Bengaluru Most Rev Dr Bernard Moras has expressed sympathy for the victims of the earthquake and their families and all those who suffered injuries or losses in Northern parts of India and Nepal and exhorted the faithful to pray for repose of the souls of victims.

The Archbishop, who is also the President of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC) and All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (AKUCFHR), has in a press statement urged all clergy, pastors, religious men and women and Christian faithful in the Archdiocese of Bangalore and all over Karnataka and people of goodwill in the State to come forward to exercise charity, solidarity and provide generous financial assistance to those affected by the devastation wrought by the earthquake.

He has requested all to conduct special prayer services in all the churches, religious communities and institutions during the coming week and give financial assistance to help the earthquake victims in India and Nepal.

“It is our duty to express solidarity with the bereaved family members in this moment of natural disaster and great calamity. We, as one family, should pray to God for all those who are affected due to this massive earthquake and show our deep concern and care for them by working together to collect monetary donations from the Christian faithful and others, and help effectively channel this aid to them through Caritas India and Nepal,’’ he said pointing out that it is an opportunity to unite our faith, our prayer to concrete acts of solidarity to render support to the victims in these affected areas who are in dire need of our assistance right now.

“I offered special prayers for the earthquake victims and for their dear ones at the Sunday Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,’’ Archbishop said and announced that a special goodwill collection will be made on Sunday, May 3, in all the churches and institutions for the earthquake victims of India and Nepal,’’ he said.

The Archbishop also said cheques in favour of “Archdiocese of Bangalore” and donations can be sent directly to: Financial Administrator, Archbishop’s House, 75, Miller’s Road, Bengaluru 560046 and the amount will be sent to the authorities concerned.