Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, has requested that parishioners of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia pray for those suffering in Southern Asia and eastern Africa following the devastating tsunami. The Cardinal is also asking that parishes hold a special collection during Sunday Masses as soon as possible to assist with relief efforts.

There are 275 parishes and 1.4 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which is made up of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. In an Archdiocesan communication with pastors, Cardinal Rigali expressed his gratitude for the willingness of the faithful to join in both material support and prayerful solidarity for those who are desperately in need of compassion and assistance.

All funds donated by parishioners will be forwarded to Catholic Relief Services, which is already responding to this terrible disaster. Catholic Relief Services is the official international relief and development agency of the Unites States Catholic community. It was founded by the Bishops of the United States in 1943. CRS operates on five continents and in over 90 countries; aiding the poor by first providing direct assistance where needed. For more information, please visit www.catholicrelief.org.

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