The Pope sends Australia £5,000
"THE Premier of New South Wales announces that the 1 Holy Father has sent £5,000 for the relief of sufferers in the most destructive floods in the history of the State.
that 50 people died in the weeklong floods in the western and central areas.
Forty thousand were flooded out of their homes.
Catholic churches suffered severely when the flood waters spread out over five dioceses— Maitland. Armidale. Lismore. Bathurst and Witcannia-Forbes.
Many Catholic buildings were converted into rescue and relief centi es.
In Maitland, the ground floor of the Bishop's House was flooded and 86-year-old Bishop Gleeson was marooned for several days.
The flood waters poured into his cathedral. reaching above the tabernacle on the high altar.
Two Newcastle priests, Fr. Patrick Cotter and Fr. James Hughes, figured in a dramatic incident.
Responding to a broadcast appeal for food and medical supplies from Singleton—the worst affected town in the State—they loaded their car and drove along a flood-menaced road until they reached the besieged arca. They went in spite of warnings that the the project was too hazardous to undertake alone.
Catholic appeals for money. food. clothing and emergency accommodation have brought a magnificent response.
Many nuns were among the heroines of the flood. They rescued children from danger, and threw Open their buildings to all comers. Convents were converted into rescue centres and radio stations.
Priests responded to many calls from the sick and dying all through the crisis.