DCU Chaplaincy raises €20,000 in a day for Covid-struck Indian diocese

The chaplaincy launched the campaign as a “sign of solidarity” with Indian students as India suffers a “catastrophic” Covid spike, Catholic chaplain Fr Seamus McEntee said.

The chaplaincy’s campaign is linked to the Multipurpose Social Service Society (MPSSS) of Cuddapah diocese, Andhra Pradesh, India, a registered charity which works with local people irrespective of their caste, creed and religion.

Fr McEntee, who established the link, said the “catastrophic” situation in India sparked the idea for the campaign, which has raised more than €35,000 as of May 18.

“We had a Zoom call with [a priest in Cuddapah diocese] – he had Covid – and the next day he went into hospital, in ICU,” Fr McEntee said. “He says what’s reported is only a tip of the iceberg. It is very bad.”

Fr McEntee praised the response of students and staff of Dublin City University (DCU), adding that the chaplaincy’s initial aim had been to raise €20,000 in a month – a figure they achieved in 24 hours.

“We wanted to show our solidarity with our students and with some of the universities we link up with in India,” Fr McEntee said. “Within an hour we were up to 10,000. The minute it went live, you could watch it going up. An incredible response.”