UCA News
Contribute

Church puts priests on famine alert

Call to help govt monitor food supplies after drought destroys harvest
Church puts priests on famine alert
Published: September 19, 2011 08:33 AM GMT
Updated: September 19, 2011 08:33 AM GMT

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.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia