Prot.1259/GenSec2017 (1-1-0/B&D)                                        4th December, 2017

Your Eminence/Grace/Excellency,    

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India expresses its solidarity with the people of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep and assures its prayers for the Ockhi cyclone victims. We offer our condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives and we wish to comfort those who have been afflicted by pain and suffering caused by the devastating hurricane in the past few days.

As of today around 26 persons are reported dead and over 150 fishermen are said to be missing. Over 560 houses are known to be totally damaged and more than 1,500 houses partially damaged. Approximately 10,000 people are evacuated. Caritas India, the Catholic Church’s wing of mercy is working along with the Government authorities to provide relief to the people.  

At this time of grief, loss and suffering, the Catholic Church in India is close to the affected families. As a tangible sign of the Church’s solidarity with the afflicted communities, on behalf of our President, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, I request you to invite the faithful to pray during mass for the victims of the Ockhi cyclone on Sunday, 10th December, 2017. Likewise, those desiring to reach out to offer financial and other material support are encouraged to get in touch with the Dioceses of the coastal regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Assuring you of my prayers.

Yours Sincerely in Our Lord,

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX

    Secretary General, CBCI