In a letter to the archdiocese dated January 3, Archbishop Gilbert launched an appeal for special collections to be held during the month of January for the victims of the earthquake and consequent tsunamis in Asia . The full text of the Archbishop's letter follows:

" My Sisters and Brothers,

I am writing to the Archdiocese about the plan to exercise solidarity with our brothers and sisters who were victims of the terrible natural disaster in Asia .

I affirm everyone for the outpouring of prayer throughout the Archdiocese for the victims. Prayer is expected from us as Church. Yet still more is required. We must also make our solidarity more visible and tangible.

I request that each Parish Priest, Parish Administrator and Principal of a Catholic School in the Archdiocese have a special collection during the month of January for the victims of the earthquake and consequent Tsunami in Asia .

Religious and Ecclesial Communities may participate through the parishes in which they reside or independently. The collection will be forwarded to the Holy Father in Rome , for use in a secure manner by the Catholic Relief Services of the Vatican . Please forward all cheques to the Archdiocesan Finance Office no later than January 28, 2005 .

With gratitude to the people of the Archdiocese and with every best personal wish to everyone for a Spirit-filled New Year, I am,

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Most Reverend Edward J Gilbert CSsR

Archbishop of Port of Spain