People Helping People – Fr. Bernardino Social Solidarity Association (PHP)
Dear Friends of the Chapel of Penha da França in Madeira,
Most of you will now be aware that Father Bernardino, who celebrated our English service Mass at the chapel for many years, sadly passed away on the 18th January this year. You are probably also aware, if you had spent any time with Father, either by attending our Mass or personally been in his company, that he was a champion of the poor, the downtrodden and repressed. Father Bernardino touched people’s hearts wherever he went. As a testimony to this we received many letters from people all over the world who had come into contact with him and been struck by his humility and kindness.
Father Bernardino, was instrumental in setting up our association “People Helping People” which helps a good number of families dependent on the charity for help with food, medication, house rent, transportation and other basic needs. The main regular source of income has been a collection taken at the end of the English Mass.
We are determined to carry on Father Bernardino’s work in supporting the poor in Madeira by continuing the collection after the 10 am Mass, as well as by undertaking a number of activities to raise money for the charity. Consequently we have decided to dedicate the month of April in memory of Father to raise much needed additional funds.
We would like to appeal to those who have been touched by Father Bernardino, to consider supporting our endeavour. W have provided the banking details of the charity at the end of this letter, in the hope that you might make a donation however small.
Father B used to quote Mother Theresa´s words “What I do for others is just a little drop of water in the ocean, but without that drop of water, the ocean is smaller”.
Each week, we will report donations received in our regular newsletter. If you would like your name to be included please indicate this on your transfer. If not, please indicate “anonymous”.
Love and Peace,
Alexandre Silva President of the Board of PHP
Jane House
Chair – PHP fundraising group
Here are the banking details of “People Helping People” should you wish to donate. Any donation, no matter how small, can make a huge difference to someone who has nothing! Thank you for caring.
Transfer from Bank Account in Madeira:
Bank: Banco Santander Totta
Account Name: Associação Gente Ajudando Gente
Account Number: 0003 4938 1759020
IBAN: PT50 0018 0003 49381759020 94
SWIFT: TOTAPTPL
NIB: 0018 0003 49381759020 94
Donations from the UK:
Account Name: Sinead Moynihan
Bank: Lloyds Bank
Account Number: 02461743
Branch: Univ. of Cambridge
Sort Code: 30-13-55
IBAN: GB05 LOYD 3013 5502 4617 43
BIC: LOYDGB21035
When sending any donation, please send an email to penhafranca.php@gmail.com with the date and the name on the transfer so that Alexandre Silva is able to confirm with you as soon as possible as the transfer is received. Thank you.