2004

Thursday 30th December 2004
Bishop's pastoral message to the people of the diocese in response to the south Asia earthquake and tsunami
My dear people,

The peoples of the world are in shock at the growing magnitude of the Boxing Day disaster in the Indian Ocean . Scenes of devastation across several countries reveal an extremely high death toll, family dislocation and despair, and the destruction of buildings and even national economies.

In the face of such a tragedy people at home wonder what they can do to help. While it is too early to assess the full nature of a response we will be called upon to make, there are some things we can do immediately.

• We can offer prayer both personal and communal for the victims and survivors. I ask every parish in the diocese to include at all Masses this weekend, time for prayerful reflection on this catastrophe and its effects.

• Caritas Australia , our own overseas aid and development agency, is working on the ground through a local network operating in the worst affected countries of India , Sri Lanka and Indonesia . Caritas has launched an appeal for funds to assist in relief efforts; your generous support is requested now. Donations to the Asia Earthquake Appeal can be made online at www.caritas.org.au or by calling 1800 024 413.

• We are unaware at this stage of the number of our own local people affected by the tragedy. Local families and individuals returning from the affected areas may require immediate or long term support. Over the next few days I will be discussing with diocesan agencies how we might be able to offer appropriate pastoral services to these people.

The long term effects of this disaster may never be determined. While our immediate support is required there may be other forms of support required of us in the future. As a diocesan community we will attempt to respond appropriately.

I ask you to be mindful of both the living and the dead. The world family is aware of its vulnerability and of its need to be in compassionate solidarity.

We call upon our loving God to strengthen all of us in this most difficult of times.

I remain,

Yours sincerely,

Most Reverend Michael Malone
Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle

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