Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ international relief agency, said that they received the donations through parishes, individuals and organizations.
Reporting diocese by diocese, the relief agency noted that 13 different dioceses donated more than $1 million each.
Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, Washington, president of the bishops’ conference stated: «I am proud of the generosity of our people.»
«American Catholics are unlimited in their generosity to people in need,» he added.
The donations will be used to support the recovery and rebuilding process of the areas struck hardest in Southeast Asia Dec. 26, including Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand, for the next 5 to 7 years.
