FLOOD-devastated Ingham’s parish priest has been overwhelmed with offers of support from around the state and country – but he says the town feels the focus should be on the unfolding tragedy of the Victorian bushfires.
Fr Michael Taylor, in a message to those who had offered help, said that although “our region was devastated by its worst flood in over thirty years … we all survived … we will rebuild … our lives will return to normal”.
Fr Taylor’s response is part of the outpouring of support around the nation as fears grow that many hundreds of Victorians will have died in the fires which started last weekend.
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane last Monday launched the Catholic Emergency Relief Appeal to assist people affected by the Victorian fires.
The appeal will be held throughout parishes in the archdiocese next weekend on February 21 and 22 and through Brisbane Catholic Education schools. An appeal line (07) 3336 9274 has also been opened.
Proceeds were to be shared with the victims of the north Queensland floods but, after discussions between Archbishop Bathersby, Bishop Michael Putney of Townsville and Fr Taylor, it was resolved that, in keeping with the wishes of the flood victims, the money would go to Victoria
Melbourne archdiocese director of communications Jim O’Farrell said a sense of “deep shock” had overwhelmed all Victorians.
Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne was preparing to conduct a requiem Mass in memory of the victims last Thursday in St Patrick’s Cathedral as Mr O’Farrell spoke to The Catholic Leader.
In other responses to the emergency, Archbishop Hart and the St Vincent de Paul Society launched appeals to assist bushfire victims, and Centacare agencies were reported to be mobilising.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Philip Wilson urged people to give generously.
“At this time, we also remember the communities affected by severe flooding in north Queensland, where people have died and many homes, roads and other infrastructure have been damaged,” he said.
Catholic Religious Australia president Good Samaritan Sister Clare Condon expressed “deep sadness and sorrow at the tragic loss of life and other human suffering” caused by the fires.
Catholic Education in Melbourne director archdiocese Stephen Elder offered financial support to Catholic school families who have lost their homes including the waiving of school fees.
Financial donations to St Vincent de Paul can be made via www.vinnies.org.au or by phoning 13 18 12.
In addition, the St Vincent de Paul Society is taking donations of material goods throughout Australia at its Vinnies centres. For further information, phone 1800 621 349.
