.

We now have some details of the damage in our parish communities. More information will come in the next 24/48 hours:

1.Two parishioners in the parish of Cobargo perished in the fire (which received media coverage).
2.Four parishioners in the parish of Cobargo have lost houses.
3.Two parishioners in the parish of Moruya have lost houses in the town and surrounds of Bodalla.
4.Seven parishioners in the parish and school community of Batemans Bay have lost houses.
5.The Church of Our Lady of the Princes Highway, Kiah, in the parish of Pambula has been lost.
6.There has been loss of property in the parish of Bega, in the town and surrounds of Bemboka, but numbers are not clear at this stage.
7.We are awaiting details from the communities of Jerangle, Batlow and Adelong. If you have additional information, then please communicate.

You will receive communications, too, from the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Education and CatholicCare. Let’s work together as best we can.

We are grateful to the Diocese of Wagga and the Order of Malta who are going to contribute financially to our relief work.

With every blessing and deep gratitude for people’s evident resilience, concern and practical love,

Father Anthony Percy,
Vicar General, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn

https://player.vimeo.com/video/383002894

- A Prayer for Bushfire Victims
God Almighty giver and sustainer of life,
For those whose homes are threatened by fire, We ask your mercy.
For those whose lives are threatened by flames, We pray your protection.
For those who have lost all their possessions, We prayer your comfort.
For those whose health is impaired by smoke, We pray your healing.

Be with those who respond, Keep safe firefighters, police and volunteers.
Make their efforts effective.
Be with those who grieve, Bring them comfort.
Surround the animals in harms way. May they find shelter.
God in your mercy, Hear our prayers. Amen.

<Christine Sine. Adapted from a 2013 prayer>