Bangladesh has been facing catastrophic floods in the last weeks, as the current monsoon season has been more devastating than normal and has greatly increased the river and sea levels. Holy Cross Parishes in Bandarban, Bolipara, and Thanchi, of the Hill Tract Region in the Archdiocese of Chittagong,in Bangladesh, have been greatly affected by the flooding. In response, the Holy Cross Mission Center has set up and is seeking support for the Bangladesh Hill Tracts Parish Flood Relief Fund.
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The impact on our Holy Cross Family in Bangladesh has been devastating. There is currently no access to clean water, limited food supplies, and over a year’s worth of agriculture has been lost in the span of a week. Thousands of families have lost their homes and schools and many chapels in the villages are not usable now. The parish schools, where more than 200 children in each of these towns live and call home, are thus at risk of further severe infrastructure damage and lacking food accessibility. More than 200,000 people in Bangladesh have been evacuated to temporary camps, as their homes are predominantly made out of fragile material such as bamboo, mud, and timber.
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We are grateful for the safety of our Holy Cross religious, family members and parishioners in this area. As they continue to combat the disaster at hand, we invite you to be in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh served by Holy Cross through prayer and whatever other form of support you can offer; if you are able to help give to help out some of our world’s poorest in these trying times, we would be most grateful. We assure you that 100% of all donations made will be received by those who have been affected by this flooding.
While no single weather event can be directly attributed to climate change, scientists have provided data that shows Bangladesh is one of the countries faced with the greatest repercussions of rising sea temperatures and levels. Pope Francis calls on us to acknowledge that climate is a common good to be shared and nurtured, and that “the Creator does not abandon us; he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home” (13 Laudato Si). To help prevent future climate-related disasters, we encourage you to review the principles and practices of the Family of Holy Cross Statement on Climate Change ,as well as the Holy See’s document Laudato Si.
Through our prayer and providing aid for the people of Bangladesh, we unite friends, family, benefactors and religious of Holy Cross in a common cause. May this act of solidarity help us to deepen our faith and our sense of connection with one another.
Thank you and God Bless each of you!
Sincerely in Holy Cross,
(Rev.) Michael M. DeLaney, CSC
Director, Holy Cross Mission Center
Ways to Give
Make checks or money orders payable to “Holy Cross Mission Center” and write “Bangladesh Hill Tracts Parish Flood Relief Fund” in the memo line. Checks/money orders may be mailed to:
Bangladesh Hill Tracts Parish Flood Relief Fund
Holy Cross Mission Center
P.O. Box 543
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Or
Donate via the form below.
(Your information is submitted using industry standard encryption, safely and securely through Formstack to Paypal.
Gifts to the Holy Cross Mission Center are generally for the purpose of supporting the international mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross. The Holy Cross Mission Center retains the right at all times, to redirect donated funds for any other religious, charitable or educational purposes in accordance with its mission and purpose.)
