Queensland, in the northeastern quadrant of Australia, experienced record-breaking rainfall during December and January, and three-quarters of the state was declared a disaster zone from flooding. Then, on Feb. 2, the category-5 Cyclone Yasi struck the area, compounding the damage from the flooding. According to meteorologists, it was the largest storm to make landfall in Australia since the European settlement.

Altogether, more than 30,000 homes were destroyed; flooding and storms closed mines and businesses and wiped out roads, railways and bridges.

Archbishop John Bathersby reported that 67 of 103 parishes in the Brisbane archdiocese have been affected. To date, 22 people have lost their lives and 10 are still missing.

In his letter, Bishop Paprocki reminds Catholics in the Springfield diocese of Illinois’ own history with flooding.

“Many of us remember the 1993 Mississippi River flooding, which affected many people in the western portion of our diocese. While we are on the opposite side of the world from the people in the Archdiocese of Brisbane, many here can identify with their pain and suffering,” he said.

Those who wish to provide financial assistance can send checks or money orders to:

Catholic Emergency Relief Fund, Archdiocese of Brisbane, GPO Box 282, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.