Survivors of Cyclone Nargis reach out as a donor distributes used clothes at a destroyed village in Myanmar, May 12. CNS photo/Reuters
BRIGHTON -- Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Boston will participate in a special collection to benefit survivors of the cyclone in Myanmar on the weekend of May 24 and 25.
Vicar general and moderator of the curia Father Richard Erikson told The Pilot that the people of Myanmar are “neighbors of ours” in great need.
“We are called to assist them in any way possible,” he said. “One of the fundamental tenets of our faith is love of neighbor. It doesn’t matter whether that neighbor is down the street or on the other side of the globe.”
Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley requested the special collection, which will be given to the Catholic Relief Service’s emergency response to the people of Myanmar. CRS will coordinate with the Caritas network and local and international agencies to determine how best to provide help where it is most needed.
“Significant funds are needed to ensure that critical life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable people quickly,” said a statement announcing the collection.