The torrential rains this year have caused major floods, and have brought about massive destruction and damage to life and property in several parts of our country. As of today, 11 States are badly affected. Every day, the media reports more places affected and more extensive damage. Over 400 lives have been lost, and besides, there has been a great loss of livestock, property, and thousands of homes have been washed away.
Pope Francis has led the Universal Church in prayer and support for all affected: the victims, their families, and the rescuers. Caritas India, the social work arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, has already begun reaching out with rescue, relief and rehabilitation on efforts in a coordinated manner. This massive social outreach to even the remotest areas is made possible by donations from our faithful and well-wishers who have always contributed generously to a worthy cause for those in distress.
I am making an appeal for contributions for this relief work that is in progress. The Centre for Social Action, which is the Office of Social Work for the Archdiocese of Bombay, is coordinating the collections from our Archdiocese. You may contribute online at www.csamumbai.in or with cheques drawn in favour of Centre for Social Action. Kindly send the cheques, with your contact details and PAN number to: Centre for Social Action, Eucharistic Congress Building - Ground floor, Convent Street, Colaba, Mumbai 400 039. All donations are eligible for Income Tax exempt on under section 80 G.
May I request all Churches, Schools, Colleges, Convents and other Institutions in our Archdiocese to make people aware of the need, and the outreach of the Church in the flood-affected areas, and to facilitate collections for the same.
May God bless our efforts, and may the grateful prayers of our beneficiaries bring blessings for all those involved in the facilitation of our good work.
August 20, 2019
+Oswald Cardinal Gracias
Archbishop of Bombay