Archbishop Petrus Turang of Kupang has asked all priests in East Nusa Tenggara province to help the provincial government monitor food supplies after an unusually long dry season destroyed the harvests of many farmers. “We, priests, must also take responsibility for the fate of both Catholics and followers of other faiths who are now facing possible famine due to failed harvests,” the prelate said in his homily at a thanksgiving Mass on September 16. He said the threat, as well as several other issues, need to be monitored continually. “This is not only the responsibility of local government but all social institutions, including the Church,” he said. “Being a priest or a nun is to serve others,” he added. According to Governor Fransiskus Lebu Raya, the threat of severe food shortages as a result of the failed harvests has become acute. “There are 10 districts in East Nusa Tenggara where the threat is very real. The provincial government is taking this seriously and doing all it can to ensure local people will have an adequate food supply,” he said. The districts affected include East Flores, Kupang, North Central Timor and South Central Timor.