The Catholic Diocese of Ondo, says the mission is in touch with the orphan kids in a viral video, lamenting on how they have been left uncared after losing their mother to the June 5, 2020, attack on St Francis Church in Owo.
Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, Catholic Bishop of Ondo, in a press release made available on the Diocese’s Facebook page on Sunday night, appreciated Nigerians for showing concern about the welfare of the Children.
The Bishop said the Church is in touch with guardians of the Kids, adding that donations could be channeled through the Diocese.
Read the full statement below:
June 19, 2022
APPRECIATION AND DISCLAIMER
My sincere appreciation to all men and women of goodwill who have expressed their love and concerns to us since the horrific incident at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo Ondo State, Nigeria on the 5th of June, 2022. Through your love and kindness, we are consoled and comforted that God knows all things and is able to bring out the ultimate good even from terrible incidents like the one that befell our Diocese last two weeks.
I thank God for the grace of a befitting funeral Mass for our brothers and sisters murdered on that Pentecost Sunday. I thank their families and friends for honouring their memories in the Funeral Mass celebrated by the Catholic Church in Ondo Diocese. The welfare of these families remains our utmost concern as a Church. We will take responsibility and support them especially those who are most affected by the loss of their parents and guardians.
My attention has been drawn to a viral video of the Children of Late Mrs Oluchi Evaristus who lost their mother in the ugly incident at St. Francis, Owo. Their father passed away some years back as well. This is so sad. I thank all the organisations, groups and individuals who have taken keen interest in these children and are willingly to generously support them. Nevertheless, our collective support for them must be done with the right intention. We are responsible for their wellbeing as well as other victims too and the Catholic Diocese of Ondo is making plans to train and support them in every way possible. We have met with their guardians through the Parish Priest and by the grace of God, plans will be concluded soonest on how to give them the good life they deserve. Now is not the time for media frenzy that may lead to the exploitation of their situation.
I hereby invite all those ready to help these children and many other victims of this massacre to channel your support through the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Nigeria.
You can contact the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Nigeria on Facebook @ Catholic Diocese of Ondo, send us an email secretaryondo@ondodiocese.org or 07039303448 (text message only)
Thank you and God bless you.
Most Rev. Jude Arogundade
Catholic Bishop of Ondo, Nigeria
Study @ Achievers University
