Diocese of Aitape launches it's Tarangu Appeal 2007.

National Director of the Tarangu Appeal from Caritas PNG, Jack Siroi was in Aitape this month to officially launch the appeal in his home diocese.

Having been appointed as the new National Director of the appeal, Mr. Siroi took the challenge to make his diocese be in the frontline of donating.

Mr. Siroi during his launching speech, spoke of the importance of this annual event and how the people benefited from it, and as a result they should make more of an effort to donate willingly as part of strengthening their faith.

Although the weather wasn't promising for the parisheners at St. Ignatius Cathedral Parish, many braved the pouring rain to participate in the combined Eucharistic Mass.

The main celebrant was Bishop Austin Crapp ofm, whom in his homily spoke too about the importance of giving willingly to help others in need. He also did the official launching of the Tarangu Appeal in the Diocese.

There were also posters and a program produced by the National Disaster Office distributed as well, informing the people about it's functions and how the money from the appeal goes to help people affected by disasters.

"More effort should be put into donating to the Tarangu Appeal this year. Last year was very poor. out of the 95% of Catholics in the Diocese, only K4, 000 was raised. Compared to Alotau Diocese who has a lower percentage rate of people who are Catholic, they were able to raise K10, 000," stressed Mr. Siroi, who appealed for the people of Aitape Diocese to have a changed attitude in regard to the appeal and to give willing this year.