Goa Archbishop Appeals for Aid for Flood Victims Across India

Panjim, Goa, Sept. 15, 2025 — The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, issued a circular on September 13 appealing to parish priests, heads of church institutions, and the faithful in Goa to extend prayers and financial assistance to victims of recent floods, cloudbursts, and landslides that have devastated several states across India. The archbishop’s appeal for funds aims to support ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts coordinated by Caritas India and local diocesan bodies in the affected regions.

The natural disasters, which struck Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, Bihar, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, have claimed over 1,500 lives, left countless missing, and severely disrupted the livelihoods of more than one lakh families. Children have been among the worst affected, with many losing parents and sole breadwinners.

In his appeal, Cardinal Ferrão conveyed the solidarity of the Church in Goa with those who lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. He also appealed to parish communities in the state to intensify prayers for the victims and contribute generously to relief efforts. 

“It is my humble appeal to seek your generous monetary assistance to respond to those in distress in order to help them rebuild their lives and strengthen their faith in humanity,” the Archbishop wrote in the circular.

The Archbishop further requested that parish priests and heads of institutions announce the appeal during Sunday Masses and meetings, ensuring widespread participation in the collective relief effort. 

“May the Lord inspire us to be generous and thus share in a special way in His ongoing Mission of Liberation,” Cardinal Ferrão added.

Caritas India has already mobilised teams to assess and coordinate relief measures in affected regions in collaboration with local Diocesan Social Service Societies. 

Individuals wishing to support the relief efforts of Caritas India through monetary contributions may do so via NEFT, or cheques/demand drafts, which can be handed over to their respective parish priests or at the Caritas-Goa office, located at Instituto N.S. Piedade in Panaji. 

Donations should be drawn in favour of Caritas-Goa Emergency Calamities and made credited using the following bank details:

Account No: 520101219522622

Bank Name: Union Bank of India

Branch: Dr. Atmaram Borkar Road, Opp. Municipal Garden, Panjim, Goa – 403001; 

IFSC: UBIN0902594. 

Donors are also requested to email caritas@caritasgoa.org specifying that the contribution is intended for relief work in the flood-affected states of North India.

Individuals may also donate in cash at the Treasury Department of the Archbishop’s House in Panjim.

By Catholic Connect Reporter