The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) on Tuesday expressed its solidarity with the people of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep and assured its prayers for the Ockhi cyclone victims.
In a Press release issued today, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX, Secretary General, CBCI, expressed its condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives. “We wish to comfort those who have been afflicted by pain and suffering caused by the devastating hurricane in the past few days” he said in a statement.
As of today around 26 persons are reported dead and over 150 fishermen are said to be missing. Over 560 houses are known to be totally damaged and more than 1,500 houses partially damaged. Approximately 10,000 people are evacuated. Caritas India, the Catholic Church’s wing of mercy is working along with the Government authorities to provide relief to the people.
Bishop Theodore also urged the community for pray for people who are at this time of grief, loss and suffering. He stated that the Catholic Church in India is close to the affected families. “As a tangible sign of the Church’s solidarity with the afflicted communities, on behalf of our President, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, I request you to invite the faithful to pray during mass for the victims of the Ockhi cyclone on Sunday, 10th December, 2017. Likewise, those desiring to reach out to offer financial and other material support are encouraged to get in touch with the Dioceses of the coastal regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu,” the Bishop added.
We thank you for the solidarity of prayers and help to our people of the effected area’s May God have mercy on call of us. Pray for the church and all those working at the forefront for relief. May God bless us all as we believe in His love even at the time of calamities. Sr.Mary Cherian.