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Aid is being rushed to victims of massive earthquake

As the death toll rises in Nepal after a major earthquake on Saturday, Catholic organizations are stepping up to help.

Caritas Internationalis, the international aid and development agency of the Catholic Church and its member agencies in Nepal, have staff members currently in the capital of Kathmandu who are working with Caritas Nepal in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, according to the Caritas website.

Catholic Relief Services has made an initial commitment of $725,000 toward relief efforts in Nepal and surrounding countries where the powerful earthquake caused widespread damage. A dozen CRS emergency specialists are en route to hard-hit Kathmandu.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit before noon local time and was centered about 50 miles northwest of the capital city. Multiple aftershocks have been felt. An avalanche killed at least 18 people and injured dozens on Mount Everest. Other casualties have been reported in India, Bangladesh, Chinese Tibet and Pakistan. Hundreds of buildings collapsed, including centuries-old temples and towers, trapping many people.

Pope Francis prayed for the victims after the traditional Easter recitation of the Regina Coeli Sunday, saying, “I pray for the victims, for the wounded, and for all those who suffer because of this calamity.” Listen via Vatican Radio here.

Donate to the Caritas Emergency Response Fund here.

Donate to Catholic Relief Services here.

Join us in prayer for the earthquake victims:

Loving God,
We pray for all those affected by the earthquake in Nepal as we offer the words of the psalmist,
“Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the Lord” (Ps 31:25).
May those who are paralyzed by fear ...
Be strong and take heart
May those who have lost or are still searching for loved ones ...
Be strong and take heart
May those who remain trapped under rubble ...
Be strong and take heart
May those rescue workers who provide relief and recovery ...
Be strong and take heart
May those who are moved with compassion to help ...
Be strong and take heart
God, whose love knows no bounds,
fill all those who suffer with your comfort and peace.
We ask all this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

(from Catholic Relief Services)