Zagreb, March 31, 1999 (IKA) – The president of Croatian Caritas, Archbishop Ivan Prenđa of Zadar, sent all Catholics and people of goodwill an appeal for urgent assistance to the refugees and displaced persons of Kosovo. Noting that Croatian Caritas has already appealed for aid to Kosovars and donated financial assistance to the bishop in Prizren, Marko Sopi, Archbishop Prenđa called for all archdiocesan and diocesan branches of Caritas in Croatia to initiate collections of the necessary assistance in their territories. “The recent grave events in Kosovo have caused and still continue to caused an unprecedented wave of displaced persons and refugees. Great processions of unfortunates are moving toward the borders of neighboring countries, seeking deliverance from hunger and death. A terrible humanitarian drama is underway, one of the most massive and serious since the Second World War. Those who have not been killed have lost everything: their homeland and property. Many families have been shattered, many have lost their fathers. Now they need human solidarity, particularly the means for survival. They need clothing, shoes and food. These grievous events prompt us to help them, particularly with food. Especially needed are canned foods, rice, flour, pasta, children#!s food and other foodstuffs,” emphasized Archbishop Prenđa. “During these difficult times for all the inhabitants of Kosovo, we remember our own suffering during the war in Croatia and the great humanitarian assistance that we received for years from many noble individuals, Churches, and the peoples of Europe and the world. May this spur us to generosity,” wrote the president of Croatian Caritas at the end of his appeal, wishing a blessing upon each “helping hand.”