AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM CATHOLIC MISSION

Call to Prayer for Haiti

Catholic Mission joins Pope Benedict XVI in calling Australians to pray for the people of Haiti, following the major earthquake and news that the local Archbishop has died.

International aid and relief has started to reach the capital city, Port-au-Prince, and emergency search and rescue teams have been established to assist Haitians searching for loved ones trapped under the wreckage of buildings.  Port-au-Prince Archbishop Joseph Serge-Miot was found dead under the rubble and it is feared that more than 100,000 people may have been killed.

The Pope called for "everyone to join in my prayer to the Lord for victims of the catastrophe and for those who are mourning their loss".

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, and last year alone received more than $500,000 in support from Catholic Mission internationally.

Funding supported the work of the Church in basic and preventative health care, education, pastoral care, and building projects, including reconstruction of the Port-au-Prince Archbishop's Offices after massive flooding in May 2009.

"Last year floods hit; now the earthquake has shocked us with the extent of its devastation." said Martin Teulan, Catholic Mission National Director in Australia.  "We are saddened by the news of Archbishop Serge-Miot and how many lives have been lost."

"Catholic Mission internationally is preparing now to provide for hospitals, schools and churches, and will continue rebuilding for years to come.  Right now the key is to get people out - those who are trapped in rubble and crying out.  Pray that their cries will be heard.  Pray that all the resources of aid organisations flying in and on the ground will be effective.  Pray that people across Australia and the world will be generous in their loving support of our neighbours in Haiti."

"When the Victorian bushfires devastated people's lives here a year ago, the greatest response we received for prayer came from the People of Haiti and the Caribbean - people who understand what it means to have little.  Their prayers strengthened us.  Our prayers will be greatly appreciated and encourage them."

  You can also, in addition to your prayers,

make a donation by calling 1800 024 413 or visit online at www.caritas.org.au