CARDINAI. Hume has written to every parish priest in England on the eve of the special collection for the famine in Africa on Palm Sunday, urging continuing generosity towards the estimated eight million people threatened by starvation.
Describing the reaction so far of the Catholic community to the crisis in Africa as "truly wonderful", the Cardinal sends his "personal thanks" to all parishioners. However, he points out that the famine continues and is spreading, although media attention has slackened.
"As we recall at this time of Christ's Passion on earth, we are mindful of the suffering and death which affect the people of Africa. This is why the bishops' conference have chosen Palm Sunday for a further special collection for Africa", the Cardinal writes.
Since December over £2 million has arrived at the Brixton offices of the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development.
• Last week, Cafod announced more than /.900,000 of longterm development grants from its general fund. The money will fund over 45 projects in 22 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. The new projects include healthcare programmes, mother and child nutrition courses, adult literacy schemes and agricultural development initiatives.