In a powerful expression of faith and solidarity, volunteers from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Montego Bay gathered at the Chancery recently for a Caritas Antilles training session. The focus: preparing assessment teams to serve families and communities still recovering from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact across Jamaica.
Guided by Caritas Antilles facilitators, participants received hands-on instruction in needs assessment, data collection, and compassionate accompaniment, ensuring that relief efforts reflect both Catholic social teaching and the Gospel call to serve the poor and vulnerable.
We are not just collecting data,” said one volunteer. “We are encountering Christ in those who are suffering, and bringing hope where it’s needed most.
Teams will soon be dispatched across St. James Parish, working closely with the faithful to identify urgent needs—ranging from shelter and water to pastoral care and rebuilding assistance.
Bishop John Persaud expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ generosity of spirit:
The Church’s mission is to bring Christ’s healing presence to all who suffer. I thank our volunteers for living that mission through action and love.
The Diocese, in collaboration with Caritas Antilles, Catholic Relief Services, Samaritans Purse, and Food for the Poor, continues to coordinate humanitarian outreach across the affected regions, ensuring that every effort is guided by faith, driven by compassion, and rooted in the dignity of each person.
As assessments continue, the Diocese invites continued prayers and donations to sustain long-term recovery for the families most affected by Hurricane Melissa.