Bishop asks Catholics to aid victims of Beirut explosion

At the request of Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, a collection to assist relief efforts in the aftermath of the deadly Aug. 4 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, will be taken up in parishes throughout the 14 counties of the Diocese of Albany on the weekend of Sept. 12-13. 

All proceeds will be sent to Catholic Relief Services, which will then forward donations to their partner on the ground, Caritas-Lebanon, to provide emergency food, shelter, medicine, and more in the affected area. 

“The massive explosion in Beirut injured more than 5,000 people and killed more than 200. The before and after images of the area are devastating. Nothing was untouched. As a result, our brothers and sisters in that region desperately need our assistance,” said Bishop Scharfenberger. “I also ask that you remember them in prayer as they face the monumental task of rebuilding their lives and their neighborhood.”

For those who are unable to attend Mass, donations will be accepted online through CRS at https://www.crs.org/.