Cardinal Brady makes appeals for aid to Haiti

Cardinal Seán Brady has this week appealed for help to ease the suffering in Haiti. 

With the death toll expected to break through the 200,000 barrier, Cardinal Seán Brady has urged the public to back charitable campaigns to bring food, shelter and medical supplies to the survivors.  The ‘quake is Haiti's worst in two centuries. 

The US Geological Survey said its epicentre was 10 miles south-west of the capital Port-au-Prince, and that it was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks. 

Cardinal Seán Brady has asked for prayers for the suffering people of Haiti.  He said, "The images and reports of the scale of human suffering experienced by Haitians has been very distressing, while the speed of devastation inflicted on the capital, Port-au-Prince, has been shocking.  My prayers are with those coming to terms with losing family members and friends.  I ask for special prayers to be offered for the injured, so that they may find the courage to rebuild their lives, and that we remember in our prayers those who have died in Haiti due to this catastrophe.”

“I also ask for prayers of support to those providing emergency assistance and medical treatment to the injured and displaced.” 

Cardinal Brady has also asked for financial help to aid the survivors.  He added, "Irish people have traditionally shown immense generosity in supporting relief agencies which give on-the-ground help to areas of devastation.  I ask - while appreciating these are difficult times at home - that we once again show such selflessness in this hour of need for Haiti.”

Trócaire, the bishops' overseas development agency, has opened an appeal to help relieve the situation in Haiti. 

“I appeal to the generosity of all people, so that these, our brothers and sisters who are experiencing a moment of need and suffering, may not lack our concrete solidarity and the effective support of the international community," added the Cardinal. 

“The Catholic Church will not fail to move immediately, through her charitable institutions, to meet the most immediate needs of the population.”

In a joint statement issued by Bishop Joseph Duffy, Catholic Bishop of Clogher and his Church of Ireland counterpart, Bishop Michael Jackson, they appealed for a continuation of contributions. 

In their statement, they asked people, “to contribute as generously as you feel you are able to do so, through any of the recognised agencies which have taken up the cause of the people of Haiti.  Everything you give will make a positive difference in the current situation.  Please remember also in prayer those whose lives have been torn apart in this natural disaster and those who are responding on the ground in practical and spiritual ways.”
 

by Sean Ryan