Dear Friends:
Flooding in Bangladesh in recent weeks has killed over 55 Bangladeshis and affected more than a million others, including three Holy Cross parishes in the Sacred Heart Province of Priests and three Holy Cross schools in the St. Joseph Province of Brothers.
Because much of Bangladesh is a low-lying river delta, it is one of the most susceptible nations on the planet to the impacts of climate change, including severe flooding and sea level rise. Holy Cross in Bangladesh recently experienced this vulnerability firsthand when, on August 7, 2023, heavy rains caused flooding and destruction to six rural Holy Cross schools, parishes, and surrounding houses, like those seen here completely immersed in floodwater.
When Holy Cross Provincial Rev. George Rozario, C.S.C., reached out for support, he concluded his plea with a simple statement about Bashonti (pictured above), the students at King of Peace Parish who had to evacuate and their neighbors: “This is our Catholic family.”
Given the structural damage caused by the flooding, funds raised will go to the relief efforts for the parishes, schools, and the homes of the local indigenous people–our Catholic family in rural Bangladesh.
On behalf of the Holy Cross family in Bangladesh and the thousands of individuals we serve, I invite your prayers and financial support to help alleviate the suffering of our Bangladeshi brothers and sisters. You can make your gift today using the link below to support our International Emergency Assistance Fund. Thank you and God bless you!
Rev. Thomas J. Eckert, C.S.C.
Director
