“I am praying for all the people of New Zealand at this time of the earthquakes.” This is what Pope Francis said to Cardinal John Dew when he greeted him in Rome at the closing of the Holy Door.
On Sunday Cardinal John wrote on his Facebook page:
“This morning St Peter’s Square was filled with thousands and thousands of people celebrating the end of the Year of Mercy in which Pope Francis closed the Holy Doors of the Basilica.
At the end of the Mass he stood and greeted all the Cardinals who were present, about 160 in total.
I was the third to last and I was astounded as soon as he saw me he took both my hands and said ‘I am praying for all the people of New Zealand at this time of the earthquakes.’
It is wonderful to know that he is praying for us, in turn I assured him that we are also supporting him in prayer.”
Michael Otto, the editor of NZ Catholic, earlier reported that Archbishop Martin Krebs, apostolic nuncio to New Zealand, was phoned by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states, Nov. 14.
Krebs said Archbishop Gallagher asked for information about the damages caused by the earthquake, in order to convey it to Pope Francis.
How can you help the people who have been affecetd by the eathquakes?
The area affected by the earthquake straddles the diocese of Christchurch and the archdiocese of Wellington.
If you wish to make a donation to the Christchurch Diocese:
- Catholic Diocese of Christchurch
- Account number: 03 0802 0948733-00
- Please include as a reference “EQ donation”.
- To receive a tax receipt please email accounts@chch.catholic.org.nz
These funds will be used to help those within the affected area of the Diocese. The same account can be used if you wish to contribute to the Kaikoura and Wellington areas – please note in your reference.
If you wish to donate to the Wellington Archdiocese:
Make your donation throuigh Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand.
By direct deposit via the internet: into account number: 03 0518 0211216 00
Include the following details in the reference section:
- Earthquake
- Your Caritas Reference number (if known)
- Or your surname (including initials if space allows)
Caritas also recommends that you send them an email to advise them of the deposit, which Appeal you would like the donation to go towards, your postal address for receipting purposes, and your phone number if we need to contact you.
Donate offline
- By credit card: phone us on 0800 22 10 22 to make a credit card donation (during office hours: Mon-Fri 8.30-5pm).
- By automatic payment: download the automatic payment form here then post to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Freepost 689, PO Box 12193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144.
- By cheque: send a cheque (made payable to Caritas) to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Freepost 689, PO Box 12193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144.
If you wish to donate to Diocese of Auckland
By Post to: The Catholic Caring Foundation, Private Bag 47904, Auckland 1144.
By Direct Credit: BNZ 02-0100-0242648-000
Please include your first and last name as a reference and QUAKE as the code. For a receipt, email info@caringfoundation.org.nz including your mailing address.
By donating securely online: to http://www.caringfoundation.org.nz/donate/online-donations/
- Please specify that your donation is for the QUAKE appeal.
- Please spread the word with your networks, through social media, word of mouth or by copying this statement and emailing to others.
- Run your own fundraising event and donate the proceeds to this campaign.
The Catholic Caring Foundation will publish information on the progress of this initiative.
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