Pope Francis has sent a message of support and prayers to the people of the Diocese of Lismore following major flooding earlier this month.
In his message, Pope Francis assured Bishop Greg Homeming OCD, Bishop of Lismore and the members of his Diocese of his heartfelt solidarity.
“Having learned of the loss of life and destruction of property caused by the heavy flooding in Lismore, his Holiness Pope Francis assures you of his heartfelt solidarity and closeness in prayer to all those affected by this tragedy,” the message, via Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, read.
“He [Pope Francis] prays especially for the repose of the deceased, the healing of those injured, and for the important work of reconstruction.
“Commending all to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Holiness cordially sends his blessing as a pledge of strength and Peace in the Lord.”
Residents from towns throughout the north-eastern NSW diocese are rebuilding their lives after the town’s floodwaters reached more than 14 metres on 28 February, submerging homes and businesses and killing at least five people.
Dramatic images from the area at the peak of the flooding showed the Diocese’s St Carthage Cathedral in Lismore with water halfway up its doors and a Marian statue submerged to her chest.
In a video message released by the Diocese of Lismore in early March, Bishop Greg explained that the Diocese had experienced “a very tragic few days” and that he and many of the people of the area felt hopeless.
RELATED: Video message from Bishop of Lismore Greg Homeming regarding the northern NSW floods
He mentioned that he had received messages from around the country and internationally, sharing their solidarity and prayers to the region.
“Having been here for five years, I know that Lismore people are resilient and strong. That has supported me for five years and I’m quite sure that together we will come out of this horrible spot and perhaps one day, many years later look back on this time and talk about the goodness which this terrible flood has brought out of each of us,” Bishop Greg said.
The Diocese of Lismore has launched its 2022 Flood Appeal. To donate in Australia, please transfer funds to the account below:
BSB: 037-889
A/c No: 1061 5829
Name: DOL Flood Appeal
To donate from other countries please use this PayPal link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DDS9CFAWSPLYN&fbclid=IwAR2RjC8nxK8se_nXFi1OXS0CC_9d_DoJtelEnOToMu8dX1lcPs-BWoYVqCM. This link can also be used within Australia.
Please note that donations to the Diocese of Lismore Flood Appeal are NOT tax-deductible.
For enquiries, please email appeals@lismore.catholic.org.au
You can also donate to the St Vincent de Paul Flood Appeal or The Australian Red Cross’ Queensland and NSW Floods Appeal.
With thanks to the Catholic Diocese of Lismore.
