Bangladesh’s Catholic Church raises funds for needy amid pandemic

The Catholic Church in Bangladesh has initiated a fund-raising project to help people who are most affected by the global coronavirus pandemic.

"It is our Christian responsibility to respond to this difficult situation through our sincere prayer, sacrifices, and financial support," said Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario.

The prelate called on parish priests, religious congregations, schools, lay organizations, and other prospective donors to contribute to the Corona Charity Fund for the needy.

The cardinal said the money collected through the fund will be used to buy food and medical supply for distribution to the poor.

Cardinal D'Rozario asked parish priests to look for the poorest of the poor families with the help of the St. Vincent De Paul Society and the respective parish pastoral councils.

Bishop Gervas Rozario of the Diocese of Rajshahi said they are also collecting donations from well-to-do Catholics, credit cooperatives, and Caritas to help tribal people.

All the Catholic dioceses in Bangladesh have initiated their own work for charity.

Bangladesh reported 309 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, April 25, dipping slightly from Friday's high of 503, bringing the total number of cases in country to 4,998.

Senior health ministry official Professor Nasima Sultana said that "309 new COVID-19 positive cases and nine deaths were reported in the last 24 hours across Bangladesh." - Father Nikhil Gomes