Bengaluru: Archdiocese of Bangalore has expressed concern for the people affected by the torrential rain and floods in Kerala. It is very heartbreaking news indeed to learn about the torrential rains and related floods and landslides in Kerala since August 8. As reported in the Press and Social Media, more than 100 persons (now it is more than 370) have already lost their lives; lots of damages have been done to the properties and crops; many houses and buildings are inundated; thousands of people are stranded without food and water; and public and private transportation facilities and communication network are also disrupted. And, as a result, people are unable to communicate with each other and to share their woes and worries with their own kith and kin. The normal life of the people in Kerala is greatly affected and has come to a standstill. The loss estimated by this natural calamity seems to be very high and it is estimated that it may go up considerably. As predicted, it would take months to rehabilitate those affected by these floods and incessant rains, said a statement issued by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore on August 19.

At these crucial and difficult times, it is the Christian and humanitarian concern to reach out all possible helps to them. Many NGOs and other philanthropic organizations have already plunged into action to alleviate the sufferings of these people by rendering them whatever assistance they could give. But the financial and material help given are not quite sufficient and inadequate to make good the loss, the statement added.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), in its recent Press Release, has said: “…We share the anguish of the people affected by this huge natural disaster and we wish to express our closeness to them. “…While trying to help people in the affected areas without discrimination of faith, or class, whatever it is possible for us to reach out, we appeal to people of good will all across the country and elsewhere to come to the aid of our suffering brethren.”

Joining hands with the CBCI and other Organizations, all in the Archdiocese, has expressed solidarity with those who are affected due to this natural calamity and also share great concern for their rehabilitation. While praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, we also pray for the spiritual strength to their bereaved family members that they may accept this irreparable loss with courage and strength. All in the Archdiocese also assure those who have lost their wealth and property that our prayers for them would soon help them to be rehabilitated to continue their normal life.

Archbishop has very earnestly appealed to Fathers, Sisters and friends (lay faithful), to observe the Sunday, August 26, 2018 as “The Outreach Sunday to the Flood Victims in Kerala.”

The Archbishop had requested all priests to include this very important point in the Announcements made on Sunday August 19, 2018 at all the Masses.

The Archbishop also had requested all in the Archdiocese to follow the points given below for the same Sunday.

“We will pray for those who have lost their live, and for their families and friends. And also for all those who are greatly affected by these unforeseen and sudden calamities; We will make the Second Collection (after Holy Communion) exclusively for this purpose; Perhaps, we can ask our people to put their contributions in the envelopes that are distributed on 19th August, and during the coming week, which they will offer it on the August 26, during the Second Collection. Please distribute the envelopes to the people with your Church Seal.”
Archbishop Machado also had requested the Superiors of the Religious Communities and the Heads of the Educational Institutions to pray for those victims and also to raise funds for their rehabilitation. The Archbishop has urged all concerned to submit the full collections to the Archdiocesan Finance Office on or before August 30 without fail so that the contributions could be forwarded to the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Conference without delay, the statement further said.

In a separate statement, it was informed that the Archdiocese has set up ‘The Bangalore Archdiocesan Flood Relief’ to assist the affected. Some of the items required have been also mentioned. They include Rice (5,10,15 kg packets); Green Gram (500g, 1 kg packets); Groundnuts, Dal, Salt, Coconut Oil, Sambar, chilly, turmeric, coriander powder and sugar, tea powder. Other items include Bed sheets, blankets, towels, lungi, Dhothi, T-shirts, saree, nightie, toothpaste, tooth brush, sanitary napkins, candles, torch, lighters, sleeping mats, plates, tumblers, bath and washing soap and bleaching powder.

The collection centres where people could drop off their materials in kind. Contributions in cash or by cheque are to be handed over to the office of the Parish Priest or Head of the Institution. Account details for online transfer are given below” Name of Account – Director of BMSS Society. A/c No. 0429101005798. Name of Bank – Canara Bank. Branch – Benson Town. IFSC: CNRB0000429. E-mail id” bmsss06@outlook.com to submit name, address and contact information for all direct bank transfers.

The contact persons in case of necessity are: Fr Joseph Naveen Kumar (Palanaa Bhavana); Mob: 8296063631 and Fr. Patrick Edward Pinto (Asst. financial Administrator, Archbishop’s House). Mob: 9901111663. E-mail: pattyeddypinto@gmail.com