IN A TIME OF BUSHFIRES, DROUGHT AND SMOKE
FROM ARCHBISHOP CHRISTOPHER PROWSE
CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF CANBERRA AND GOULBURN – 20 JANUARY 2020
IN A TIME OF BUSHFIRES, DROUGHT AND SMOKE
As all are aware, we are in the midst of a most dangerous bushfire season.
Already too many lives have been lost. The destruction of properties, livestock and native animals is widespread.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and communities impacted during this time of bushfires. We continue our prayers for more rain in our drought-stricken land. We are most grateful for the heroism of the emergency services.
Our Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn has been severely impacted both with the drought and now the bushfires. Also, the smoke haze is virtually a daily health concern for so many.
Typically, the practical generosity of the Archdiocese has been immediate. The financial twinning of city parishes with fire effected parishes and the generosity of so many others is a wonderful example of practical charity. Extra co-ordination of our educational, health and social services is evident to ensure those most in need are receiving help and our prayerful support.
As I make pastoral visits to our South Coast parishes, and parishes in the high country, I am assuring them all of our prayerful and practical support. These embattled communities are tremendously grateful for all our concern and help.
The bushfire season and drought are far from over. We continue to pray humbly to the Lord for help in our time of great need and danger. Our prayers are particularly directed to those who have died and their grieving families, and all who are suffering.
Yours sincerely in Christ
Archbishop Christopher Prowse
Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn
Thanks the prayerful reflections and practical compassion +Christopher. Enduring these calamities it is useful also to ponder the Laudato Si papal encyclical (just now 5 years ‘new’) on sustaining our livelihoods and shared home, ‘mother’ earth. Like many of our younger generation, +Francis demands transformation through a more coherent understanding of God’s plan for the earth as our human ecosystem. He clearly explains how nations and individuals can together better exercise responsible stewardship of our climate and our environment, and so assist human well-being world-wide.
Come Divine Will bless Australia xox