Cathedral Parish responds to devastation in The Philippines

Bishop Michael Smith asked all parishes in the Diocese of Meath to provide opportunities for parishioners to contribute towards the humanitarian relief programme in response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in The Philippines.

An appeal to aid victims of the violence in Syria had already been scheduled in all parishes for November 17. However, after last weekend’s destruction in The Philippines, it was considered appropriate to make a priority of this immediate response.

Speaking before the appeal, Fr Paul Crosbie said: “The ferocity and extent of the devastation is beyond our imagining and people locally have a special warmth for the Philippino community in Ireland. Many of our parents and families members are looked after with great kindness by nurses and care assistants from The Philippines.

“At the Cathedral, we were able to make contact with a number of Philippinos and they were really eager to help us out with the parish appeal. They will speak at Masses in the Cathedral and St Paul’s on Sunday November 17, telling us of their families’ experiences of the typhoon and showing us how our donations will make a difference.”