ARCHBISHOP Francis Carroll of Canberra and Goulburn has pledged prayers and practical help to anyone who lost loved ones and homes in the ACT fires.
‘Our hearts and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones or who worry about those who were injured, as they do to all those who have lost homes and precious possessions,’ Archbishop Carroll said.
‘As we stand in solidarity with their loss and pain, we promise to continue to support them in every way possible.’
Archbishop Carroll said the response from the Canberra community had been generous and heart-warming, and offers of support and love had come from across Australia.
Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan sent a message of sympathy and support for fire victims on January 20.
Acting on behalf of Archbishop John Bathersby, who is on holidays, Bishop Finnigan sent the message to Archbishop Carroll, ‘expressing our sympathy and concern on the utter devastation you and the people of Canberra and the ACT have suffered over the weekend’.
‘Archbishop Bathersby, my brother bishops, priests, religious, and people are united with you, Bishop Pat (Power), priests, religious, members of the faith community and other citizens in your suffering and sense of shock,’ he wrote.
‘We support you in prayer, concern and whatever forms of assistance we can offer.
Extensive coverage of the Canberra fires in this week’s print edition of The Catholic Leader.
