At the Archdiocese of New York, we stand in solidarity with neighbors near and far who are in need. On behalf of His Eminence, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, we thank everyone for the prayers and support already offered for our brothers and sisters in Myanmar in Southeast Asia, who suffered a violent magnitude 7.7 earthquake in late March.

As you have seen in the news, the needs are massive. More than 10,000 buildings are known to have collapsed or been severely damaged by the quake that also rocked neighboring Thailand, causing a high-rise building under construction to collapse and burying many workers. Thousands are dead. It is the second most powerful earthquake there since 1912.

As we often do in these situations, we instinctively want to be involved in the long-term recovery. The cardinal knows the generosity of our people and their deep care for those in distress. He has spoken to Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, and promised the support of the archdiocese to the people impacted by the earthquake.

We would be pleased to receive donations for this cause until the end of April, if possible, either from a special collection, from a parish donation, and/or from parishioners who wish to give their own gifts. If you choose to contribute, kindly forward checks, payable to the Archdiocese of New York to the finance office, room 1940. Write “Myanmar” in the memo line.

In anticipation of the parish collections, we advanced $25,000 to Catholic Relief Services. The archdiocese will advance additional money received at the Catholic Bishops Conference in Myanmar.

During this Holy Week and Easter Weekend, there will certainly be many opportunities to give back to the Church and those in need. We ask you to keep those in Myanmar in your prayers and if you choose to donate to this cause, please know of our gratitude for your generosity.