Zagreb, (IKA) – Assistance to the victims in the flooded areas was the topic of a special plenary session of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, presided over by the president of the CCB, Archbishop Želimir Puljić of Zadar, that was held on June 2 in Zagreb.
The bishops whose faithful and parishes have been afflicted by the catastrophic floods reported to the other bishops on the extent of the casualties and damage. The bishops of the flooded areas expressed their gratitude for the collegiality, concern and solidarity that individual diocesan communities have demonstrated toward the victims in the territories of their dioceses.
The efforts by the pastors who have been working tirelessly to help their parishioners and other residents of the flooded parishes were noted, as well as the generous engagement by many priests, religious, religious education teachers and lay faithful throughout Croatia and other countries through prayer and fundraising.
The Croatian bishops have decided to donate 12 million HRK in assistance to the flood victims.
At the session, it was pointed out that the Catholic Church in the Republic of Croatia has already set aside over 6.5 million HRK for assistance to the afflicted areas, of which part will go to Caritas in Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia.
Moreover, on May 17 of this year Caritas Croatia launched a campaign to collect assistance for the victims, which so far has collected over 3.2 million HRK. The campaign will be conducted by the diocesan and parish branches of Caritas in their territories. In this way, several hundred tons of various goods have been sent to provide aid in the flooded areas.
Since not only emergency intervention is needed but also strategic planning in order to determine how best to help those in the greatest need, Caritas Croatia has asked the government authorities to establish agencies to improve the coordination of assistance activities.
The Croatian bishops thank everyone who has donated to the campaign to help the victims and urge the faithful and all people of good will to continue contributing donations funds in the account of Caritas Croatia (Hrvatski Caritas): IBAN HR05 2340 0091 1000 8034 0, Ref. No. 175, and making contributions through their parishes.
Donations can be sent from outside Croatia to the following account:
IBAN: HR1123600001101621994; SWIFT(BIC) ZABAHR2X; Zagrebačka banka d.d. Zagreb, Paromlinska 2, Branch: Trg bana Jelačića 012101.
Detailed information about the relief efforts undertaken by the Catholic Church to assist the flood victims is available on the website www.caritas.hr, according to a statement issued on June 3 by the Secretariat of the Croatian Conference of Bishops.