Bishops renew Trocaire appeal

Dear sir - Your readers may be interested to know that Catholic Bishops of Ireland have made an unprecedented call to the public, urging them to return their Trócaire boxes to their local church on Sunday 19th April to mark the end of the Lenten campaign, during the worst recession for decades. This initiative by the bishops is a recognition by the Church of the increased vulnerability of the world"s poorest people given the economic crisis. The move comes at a significant time for Trócaire given the decision by the government to cut Ireland"s overseas development aid by a further €100 million last week, which will have a severe impact on Trócaire"s work with families and communities in the developing world. The decision by the bishops to remind people around the country to return their Trócaire boxes shows how the Church is standing steadfast beside the most vulnerable people during this global crisis. I know that there are serious economic problems in Co Meath and throughout the country with many people struggling to cope. However the world"s poorest people need whatever support we can afford to give, now more than ever, in a world where six million children will die of hunger this year. Yours, Justin Kilcullen, Director, Trócaire.