Archbishop of Olinda and Recife appeals for donations for victims of the rain in Rio Grande do Sul

The archbishop of Olinda and Recife, Dom Paulo Jackson and Father Luciano Britopresident of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Commission for Communication, visited the Pernambuco Diary on the afternoon of this Thursday (9).

Dom Paulo made an appeal for donations to victims of the rain in Rio Grande do Sul. According to the Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul, more than 1.47 million people were affected in 425 municipalities in the state.

Until May 15th, the population can donate items such as non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, dry cleaning material, bed, table and bath items, as well as pet food. According to the archbishop, GolLog will transport donations free of charge to victims in Rio Grande do Sul. Donations can also be made through Pix 29420681000129 (CNPJ).

The Vatican announced this Thursday that Pope Francis has destined 100 thousand euros (around R$554 thousand) to help flood victims. The amount came from the Apostolic Alms, a department of the Holy See dedicated to charity.

Social projects

During the visit, Dom Paulo highlighted that the municipalities of Recife and Olinda have many social projects, which contributed to the reduction of social inequality. He commented on the importance of initiatives such as Casa do Pão, Movimento Pró-Criança, Casa do Frei Francisco and the Perrone Foundation.

“If it weren’t for this assistance provided by churches, what would our society be like? And in this aspect the Catholic Church is impressive in Pernambuco and like the archdioceses here I have never seen anywhere else. There is something being done in this social sphere everywhere,” he commented.

Blessing to journalists

Dom Paulo gave a blessing to the newspaper’s professionals and promoted a prayer in reference to World Social Communications Day, celebrated next Sunday (12).

Furthermore, he left a message highlighting the relevance of the work done by journalists and the importance of debating topics such as the use of artificial intelligence.

“Although the facilities of Artificial Intelligence are seductive, be sure to print your own brands. And may they be pleasing to God. Therefore, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom to discern the wheat from the chaff, not only at work, but in each person’s personal life. Sensitivity, love and honesty are paths. And the paths are built step by step with our choices. Therefore, choose life (cf Dt 30.19). And use communication to build a fraternal, united, promising world”, he recorded.