Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has authorized a special collection in the Diocese of Fall River to support disaster relief efforts following Hurricanes Fiona and Ian.

The collection is to be taken up sometime during October with the specific date and manner of the collection left to the discretion of each pastor or parish administrator.

In his communication to priests in the Diocese, Bishop da Cunha said the voluntary special collection is a way to “show our support to those suffering during this difficult time.”

Proceeds from the collection will be forwarded to the U.S. Bishops Emergency Disaster Fund and will be used to support pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church in areas impacted by the hurricanes as well as efforts of Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services, the official relief agencies of the Catholic Church in the U.S. These agencies are already involved with local partners in those areas impacted by the hurricanes responding to immediate emergency needs and they will be there to assist in long-term rebuilding efforts.

Earlier this month, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops President Archbishop Jose H. Gomez wrote to his brother bishops across the country on the devastation caused by Hurricanes Ian and Fiona and suggested a special collection “for the humanitarian, long-term recovery, and significant Church needs arising from these calamities.”

The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River