Card Gracias feels personal sorrow over Nepal quake, now it is time for prayers and aid
by Card. Oswald Gracias
Through AsiaNews, the archbishop of Mumbai reaches out to earthquake victims. "I was in Nepal and I saw in person many of the devastated areas [. . .]. I share the victims’ suffering, that of their families”.

Mumbai (AsiaNews) – The Church in India has expressed its solidarity and closeness to the people affected by the earthquake. We pray for its victims in Nepal and parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In this time of crisis, our Church offers its support, help, prayers and solidarity.

I was in Nepal and I saw in person many of the devastated areas, including the temple complex in Kathmandu. For this reason, the sorrow is personal.

I share the victims’ suffering, that of their families and of all those who were injured or lost what was theirs – in Nepal and India – as a result of the natural disaster.

In view of the situation, the Archdiocese of Mumbai plans to send medical staff to help disaster victims.

It will also hold special prayer services in churches, religious communities and institutions for earthquake victims all week long.

At this time of natural disasters and great tragedy, we express our solidarity with the families of the victims.

We pray to God for all those who have been affected by this terrible earthquake and express our deepest care and concern for them.

We shall send our aid through Caritas India, which will coordinate relief operations and rehabilitation.

(Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article.)