PRESS RELEASE
3RD JANUARY 2005
ARCHBISHOP SEÁN BRADY CALLS ON FAITHFUL TO OBSERVE
THIS FRIDAY 7TH JANUARY AS DAY OF SOLIDARITY
WITH PEOPLE OF SE ASIA
The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Dr Seán Brady, speaking
on behalf of the four Archbishops of Ireland, has today called on Irish
people to observe this Friday as a day of solidarity for the victims of
the Tsunami that devastated South East Asia on 26th December last. This
solidarity could take the form of reflection, fasting and generosity.
Archbishop Brady said, “Irish people instinctively empathise with, and
offer practical support for, people made vulnerable by disaster. While
the human tragedy of the last eight days, which currently stands at
145,000 deaths and a United Nations estimation of 1.8 m survivors, has
been upsetting beyond words – especially when set against the happy
celebration of Christmas – we must now do all we can to support the
survivors and help them in the reconstruction of their lives.
“We are therefore calling on the faithful to observe this Friday as a
day of solidarity with the victims. This demonstration of solidarity
should include:
*Reflection: at family and parish level, people should take some time to
come together and pray for the victims and survivors of the Asian earthquake
and to give praise to God for our health and happiness;
* Fasting: people should undertake an exercise of fasting appropriate
to their condition;
* Generosity: on this Sunday 9th January a special collection will be
held at Masses across Ireland in support of the earthquake victims
and the proceeds will be forwarded to Trócaire, the development agency
of the Irish Bishops’ Conference.”
Archbishop Brady continued, “the Irish Government and our humanitarian
organizations must be commended for their generosity and for the speed
in which they have mobilised support to the affected regions of India,
Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.”
“The Irish Bishops,” concluded Archbishop Brady, “urge people to help
generously by taking part in this day of solidarity on Friday next, as
a most appropriate Christian and practical response to this terrible
tragedy.”
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Donations can be made to Trócaire, the development agency of the Irish
Bishops’ Conference on (RoI) 1850 408 408 or (NI) 0800 912 1200; or on
www.trocaire.org ; or at any AIB bank.
Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
