Dear friends,
In these extremely difficult times of the CoVID-19 pandemic, I sincerely pray for all of us to keep safe and healthy, not just for the sake of our own wellbeing, but also for those whom we love and serve. Now, more than ever, we are all called to pray for the healing power of Christ and ask for the grace to live in order to serve.
As our Caritas Member Organizations in Asia and in other parts of the world are proactively implementing measures to curtail the further spread of this global health crisis, while also taking appropriate initiatives to help governments and communities cushion the rapidly intensifying effects of CoVID-19, I would like to express Caritas Asia’s heartfelt support and solidarity with you and your families. We are aware of the challenges that you are facing during this global crisis, but at the same time, we are also conscious of the many great efforts that many of you are initiating, to help ease the difficulties of our brothers and sisters in your respective countries and regions.
Our Caritas family, particularly in Asia, is considered essential during this time of crisis, as we are among the key players in helping communities, as well as a critical player in responding to the needs of the poor and vulnerable. Caritas Asia is extremely grateful to all of you for all the noble deeds you are doing in helping our suffering brothers and sisters in the region, while also taking significant steps to safeguard and protect our own Caritas family, by adhering to the strict precautionary measures that are aligned with the guidelines of the World Health Organization and as per the instructions of your respective governments.
Caritas Asia also stands in solidarity and support with the doctors, nurses, medical staff, and all other individuals, who have been working tirelessly to help patients, despite the grave danger of getting the virus themselves during the performance of their duties. We salute the courage and perseverance of these health professionals, who sacrifice their own safety, in order to save lives during this battle against CoVID-19. We offer our heartfelt gratitude and prayers for these incredible men and women for their compassion, perseverance, and their heroic sacrifices to protect and heal our communities.
As we observe the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ during this Holy Week, let us all be ever more united in prayer that we may continue to find courage and open our hearts to the love of Christ, so that we can feel the consolation of God during these extremely challenging times. Let us reflect on the words of the Holy Father Pope Francis in his Palm Sunday message:
“So, in these holy days, in our homes, let us stand before the Crucified One, the fullest measure of God’s love for us, and before the God who serves us to the point of giving his life, and let us ask for the grace to live in order to serve. May we reach out to those who are suffering and those most in need. May we not be concerned about what we lack, but what good we can do for others.”
I wish you all a blessed Triduum and a very Happy Easter!
Benedict Alo D’Rozario
Caritas Asia Regional President
Message of Solidarity from the President of Caritas Asia
Jeevan Vikas Sanstha Amravati with the support of Caritas India, New Delhi distributed 150 food grain kits senior Citizens and poor people who had nothing to eat (Photo by Caritas India)