JOINT APPEAL OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF PAKISTAN
FOR DISASTER RELIEF ACTION
Our country is facing the biggest natural disaster in its history. The super floods of the mighty River Indus have brought death and wide spread destruction – over 15 million people have been affected and lakhs of homes have been washed away by the raging waters. We stand in solidarity with those who have suffered in this national tragedy.
What is our Christian response in the face of such an enormous disaster? We are followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. He taught us that love is the most important commandment. “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). To live as a Christian means to stand up and actively promote love, mercy and compassion, especially for those who are hungry and in extreme need.
In this critical moment of national tragedy, it is our Christian duty to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim and Hindu brethren and face the common calamity with courage and determination. We your religious leaders want to mobilize our limited resources in doing what we can to alleviate the sufferings of the many displaced persons.
We Bishops appeal to all our members to come forward and help the flood-hit people with cooked foods or dry rations, and also provide tents for shelter and medicines against cholera and other diseases. Our youth are urged to serve as volunteers in relief camps.
We also call for a Day of Prayer on Tuesday, 24th August 2010 in all churches in the country. If possible a Holy Hour of Adoration could be arranged when Christians will pray earnestly that the Almighty Provider may have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and failures and save us from further harm and destruction. We also instruct the priests to recite every day the special prayer in the daily missal “in time of storms and floods”.
In this dark moment we must not lose hope but put our full trust in God who reminds us “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God “(Isaias 41:10)
This appeal is to be read out in all the churches on Sunday, 22nd August 2010.
In the end we invoke our solemn Episcopal blessing upon our beloved motherland and wish it peace, unity and prosperity.
Your devoted Shepherds in Christ,
† Lawrence Saldanha
President, Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference &
The Catholic Bishops of Pakistan
Please consider to the Pakistan relief effort by giving to Catholic Relief Services
Showing posts with label disaster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disaster. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Caritas Aids 20 Million Pakistani Flood Victims
Appeals for Emergency Relief as Disaster Worsens
PESHAWAR, Pakistan, AUG. 17, 2010 (Zenit.org).- An estimated 20 million Pakistanis have been affected by the worst flooding in that region in 80 years. Caritas is appealing for aid from the international community.
The death count is already at 2,000, and it is expected to rise after aid workers are able to access and assess the damage in remote villages of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon visited the region on Sunday and stated that it is the worst disaster he has ever seen.
Flooding from heavy monsoon rains that began in July has stricken one fifth of the country's land. Thousands have been injured, and millions have lost their homes, food stores, and livelihoods.
On Sunday, 20% of the requested $460 million needed for initial emergency relief had been raised.
Caritas is among those groups appealing for aid for the Pakistani people.
Anila Gill, national executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan, stated, "The priority is to ensure people have food, water, shelter and medical help."
She continued: "There are so many people who are in grave difficulty.
"It's such a traumatic situation for those who have lost everything and who have to rely on others even for a drink of water."
Outbreak
The lack of clean drinking water has led to an outbreak of gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and other diseases. On Saturday, the first case of cholera was reported.
Caritas is working to distribute food, provide clean water, shelter and hygiene facilities.
As well, the aid agency is putting together a plan to help reconstruct infrastructure such as roads and bridges, which were already weakened by conflict in that region and were swept away by the floods. In this way, aid workers will be able to access remote villages.
Caritas medical camps are preparing to provide emergency medical treatment, immunization and vaccination services to some 8,000 people for the prevention of epidemic waterborne diseases.
The aid agency is also paying particular attention to helping vulnerable women and children affected by the disaster to protect them from falling victim to crime.
More flooding is expected as rains continue in that region, giving a greater urgency to the relief workers.
--- --- ---
On the Net:
Caritas: Caritas.org
PESHAWAR, Pakistan, AUG. 17, 2010 (Zenit.org).- An estimated 20 million Pakistanis have been affected by the worst flooding in that region in 80 years. Caritas is appealing for aid from the international community.
The death count is already at 2,000, and it is expected to rise after aid workers are able to access and assess the damage in remote villages of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon visited the region on Sunday and stated that it is the worst disaster he has ever seen.
Flooding from heavy monsoon rains that began in July has stricken one fifth of the country's land. Thousands have been injured, and millions have lost their homes, food stores, and livelihoods.
On Sunday, 20% of the requested $460 million needed for initial emergency relief had been raised.
Caritas is among those groups appealing for aid for the Pakistani people.
Anila Gill, national executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan, stated, "The priority is to ensure people have food, water, shelter and medical help."
She continued: "There are so many people who are in grave difficulty.
"It's such a traumatic situation for those who have lost everything and who have to rely on others even for a drink of water."
Outbreak
The lack of clean drinking water has led to an outbreak of gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and other diseases. On Saturday, the first case of cholera was reported.
Caritas is working to distribute food, provide clean water, shelter and hygiene facilities.
As well, the aid agency is putting together a plan to help reconstruct infrastructure such as roads and bridges, which were already weakened by conflict in that region and were swept away by the floods. In this way, aid workers will be able to access remote villages.
Caritas medical camps are preparing to provide emergency medical treatment, immunization and vaccination services to some 8,000 people for the prevention of epidemic waterborne diseases.
The aid agency is also paying particular attention to helping vulnerable women and children affected by the disaster to protect them from falling victim to crime.
More flooding is expected as rains continue in that region, giving a greater urgency to the relief workers.
--- --- ---
On the Net:
Caritas: Caritas.org
Thursday, June 17, 2010
African Food Crisis Leaves 10 Million Hungry
Caritas: Delay in Aid Costs Lives
NIAMEY, Niger, JUNE 16, 2010 ( Zenit.org ).- Caritas is calling for international aid to abate a food crisis in the Sahel region of West Africa, where 10 million people are facing hunger.
Niger is the worst hit with 8 million people at risk, Caritas reported today, although there are also food shortages in Chad, Mali and Burkina Faso.
Raymond Yoro, secretary general of Caritas Niger, called for immediate help, affirming, "It's not too late to avert a tragedy."
"We are facing a potential child survival emergency in Niger," he said, as "378,000 children are at risk of severe acute malnutrition and a further 1.2 million are at risk of moderate malnutrition."
The crisis, resulting from irregular rainfall, crop deficits, rising food prices and chronic poverty, is "much worse" than the last food shortage in 2005, the aid agency reported.
"The lesson then was that delays in aid cost lives," Yoro lamented. "Yet despite raising the alarm in December 2009, donors have been slow to provide funding."
The agency stated that people have been experiencing severe food shortages for six months already, and are now selling off livestock, eating wild foods, taking children out of school and abandoning their homes in a search for food.
Yoro called for immediate donations as well as "hunger safety nets, strengthened early warning systems, and climate change adaptation programs to avoid future food crises."
Niger has only half of the amount of resources needed to feed the hungry, and is still short $50 million. As well, the country's health system, which runs free malnutrition treatment programs, is almost bankrupt.
Caritas has been running a campaign since May to collect $3.5 million in order to provide 246,000 households with food, seeds, and other aid, and 17,000 children, pregnant women and new mothers with special care.
For more information, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesyoungstown.org/ccdoy-disaster-response.html
NIAMEY, Niger, JUNE 16, 2010 ( Zenit.org ).- Caritas is calling for international aid to abate a food crisis in the Sahel region of West Africa, where 10 million people are facing hunger.
Niger is the worst hit with 8 million people at risk, Caritas reported today, although there are also food shortages in Chad, Mali and Burkina Faso.
Raymond Yoro, secretary general of Caritas Niger, called for immediate help, affirming, "It's not too late to avert a tragedy."
"We are facing a potential child survival emergency in Niger," he said, as "378,000 children are at risk of severe acute malnutrition and a further 1.2 million are at risk of moderate malnutrition."
The crisis, resulting from irregular rainfall, crop deficits, rising food prices and chronic poverty, is "much worse" than the last food shortage in 2005, the aid agency reported.
"The lesson then was that delays in aid cost lives," Yoro lamented. "Yet despite raising the alarm in December 2009, donors have been slow to provide funding."
The agency stated that people have been experiencing severe food shortages for six months already, and are now selling off livestock, eating wild foods, taking children out of school and abandoning their homes in a search for food.
Yoro called for immediate donations as well as "hunger safety nets, strengthened early warning systems, and climate change adaptation programs to avoid future food crises."
Niger has only half of the amount of resources needed to feed the hungry, and is still short $50 million. As well, the country's health system, which runs free malnutrition treatment programs, is almost bankrupt.
Caritas has been running a campaign since May to collect $3.5 million in order to provide 246,000 households with food, seeds, and other aid, and 17,000 children, pregnant women and new mothers with special care.
For more information, visit http://www.catholiccharitiesyoungstown.org/ccdoy-disaster-response.html
Friday, January 29, 2010
Don't Forget Human Rights in Haiti, Urges Prelate
Recalls Importance of Principle of Subsidiarity
GENEVA, Switzerland, JAN. 29, 2010 ( Zenit.org ).- A plan to rebuild Haiti needs to be based on human rights and ensure the principle of subsidiarity, says the Holy See's permanent observer at the Geneva U.N. offices.
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi affirmed this Thursday at a U.N. Human Rights Council special session on supporting Haiti after the Jan. 12 earthquake that leveled the capital.
In Haiti's case, noted Archbishop Tomasi, rights "to life, to nutrition, to water, to health, to development, to the hope of an adequate life, and the right to proper work, were, in great measure, already absent."
But as aid comes in, the prelate said, it is important to respect the principle of subsidiarity, giving "Haitians in the first place the ability to reconstruct for themselves the infrastructure they need and to assume their political and social responsibilities."
"The Church, integral part of Haitian society, will continue to collaborate actively in the country's reconstruction promoting the most fundamental human rights and contributing to the progress of Haitians' health and education, in the framework of their just aspiration to a life of liberty and dignity," affirmed Archbishop Tomasi.
In regard to the situation of the local Church, in a country that is largely Catholic, the Holy See representative reflected that it is symbolized by the photo of the collapsed cathedral.
He mentioned the death of the archbishop of Port-au-Prince and other Church leaders.
This tragedy is also an appeal to the "solidarity of the international community" to "respond immediately" to Haitians' needs and to "put human rights at the base of a healthy plan of reconstruction," he said.
Archbishop Tomasi recalled Benedict XVI's Jan. 13 exhortation to send aid and his assurance that the Church would do what it could to meet the needs of the population.
The Holy See representative expressed appreciation for the worldwide response, including $33 million from Caritas and another $25 million from Catholic Relief Services.
He also expressed the Holy See's condolences "to the government and the people of Haiti," represented at the session.
And the prelate recalled the "millions without shelter" and the destruction of Port-au-Prince and other cities of the island, and expressed appreciation for Brazil's work in responding.
GENEVA, Switzerland, JAN. 29, 2010 ( Zenit.org ).- A plan to rebuild Haiti needs to be based on human rights and ensure the principle of subsidiarity, says the Holy See's permanent observer at the Geneva U.N. offices.
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi affirmed this Thursday at a U.N. Human Rights Council special session on supporting Haiti after the Jan. 12 earthquake that leveled the capital.
In Haiti's case, noted Archbishop Tomasi, rights "to life, to nutrition, to water, to health, to development, to the hope of an adequate life, and the right to proper work, were, in great measure, already absent."
But as aid comes in, the prelate said, it is important to respect the principle of subsidiarity, giving "Haitians in the first place the ability to reconstruct for themselves the infrastructure they need and to assume their political and social responsibilities."
"The Church, integral part of Haitian society, will continue to collaborate actively in the country's reconstruction promoting the most fundamental human rights and contributing to the progress of Haitians' health and education, in the framework of their just aspiration to a life of liberty and dignity," affirmed Archbishop Tomasi.
In regard to the situation of the local Church, in a country that is largely Catholic, the Holy See representative reflected that it is symbolized by the photo of the collapsed cathedral.
He mentioned the death of the archbishop of Port-au-Prince and other Church leaders.
This tragedy is also an appeal to the "solidarity of the international community" to "respond immediately" to Haitians' needs and to "put human rights at the base of a healthy plan of reconstruction," he said.
Archbishop Tomasi recalled Benedict XVI's Jan. 13 exhortation to send aid and his assurance that the Church would do what it could to meet the needs of the population.
The Holy See representative expressed appreciation for the worldwide response, including $33 million from Caritas and another $25 million from Catholic Relief Services.
He also expressed the Holy See's condolences "to the government and the people of Haiti," represented at the session.
And the prelate recalled the "millions without shelter" and the destruction of Port-au-Prince and other cities of the island, and expressed appreciation for Brazil's work in responding.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
BISHOPS CALL FOR A LONGTERM STRATEGY IN HAITI THAT FOCUSES ON POVERTY REDUCTION
WASHINGTON—The U.S. needs “a long-term coherent strategy for recovery, development and poverty reduction in Haiti,” helping Haiti rebuild and get back to the path of long-term sustainable development, said the chair of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace in a January 26 letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk.
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, New York, said such a strategy for rebuilding Haiti in the wake of this month’s devastating earthquake needs to coordinate “different U.S. government agencies in a comprehensive approach, engaging other groups with expertise and experience with Haiti.” Bishop Hubbard recommended that the strategy include: debt relief, trade preferences, extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians living in the United States as needed, and sustained reconstruction and development assistance to Haiti.
Bishop Hubbard expressed gratitude for President Obama’s response to the earthquake in Haiti and added, “When the international community and Haitians move beyond the most urgent aspects of the emergency, we urge a substantial and sustained commitment by the U.S. Government to provide long-term funding for reconstruction and poverty reduction.” Highlighting the importance of working with Haitians, Bishop Hubbard wrote, “At the same time, our nation should work to support and strengthen the role of the Haitian Government and institutions in the reconstruction and long-term development of their nation.”
The letter from Bishop Hubbard can be found online at: www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/2010-01-26-let-clinton-napolitano-geithner-kirk-haiti.pdf
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, New York, said such a strategy for rebuilding Haiti in the wake of this month’s devastating earthquake needs to coordinate “different U.S. government agencies in a comprehensive approach, engaging other groups with expertise and experience with Haiti.” Bishop Hubbard recommended that the strategy include: debt relief, trade preferences, extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians living in the United States as needed, and sustained reconstruction and development assistance to Haiti.
Bishop Hubbard expressed gratitude for President Obama’s response to the earthquake in Haiti and added, “When the international community and Haitians move beyond the most urgent aspects of the emergency, we urge a substantial and sustained commitment by the U.S. Government to provide long-term funding for reconstruction and poverty reduction.” Highlighting the importance of working with Haitians, Bishop Hubbard wrote, “At the same time, our nation should work to support and strengthen the role of the Haitian Government and institutions in the reconstruction and long-term development of their nation.”
The letter from Bishop Hubbard can be found online at: www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/2010-01-26-let-clinton-napolitano-geithner-kirk-haiti.pdf
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Dominican Cardinal Stresses Solidarity With Haiti
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, JAN. 19, 2010 ( Zenit.org ).- The archbishop of Santo Domingo is affirming the solidarity of his country with the earthquake victims in Haiti.
"We cannot ignore the fact that history has bound us together," said Cardinal Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez. "We share the same island."
El Nuevo Diario, a national newspaper of the Dominican Republic, reported that the cardinal, who is also president of the Dominican bishops' conference, will preside at a Mass on Wednesday for the Haitians, especially those affected by the Jan. 12 quake.
Last Sunday, the cardinal participated in a telethon program to raise funds for Haiti, and during the event he expressed the hope that his country would "live for" its neighbor.
He underlined the obligation of the Dominican Republic to reach out to disaster-stricken Haiti in this moment.
Faced to this "tremendous challenge," the prelate called on all Catholics to participate in the cause to assist Haiti, not only through the telethon but also through many other actions.
"We cannot ignore the fact that history has bound us together," said Cardinal Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez. "We share the same island."
El Nuevo Diario, a national newspaper of the Dominican Republic, reported that the cardinal, who is also president of the Dominican bishops' conference, will preside at a Mass on Wednesday for the Haitians, especially those affected by the Jan. 12 quake.
Last Sunday, the cardinal participated in a telethon program to raise funds for Haiti, and during the event he expressed the hope that his country would "live for" its neighbor.
He underlined the obligation of the Dominican Republic to reach out to disaster-stricken Haiti in this moment.
Faced to this "tremendous challenge," the prelate called on all Catholics to participate in the cause to assist Haiti, not only through the telethon but also through many other actions.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Caritas Aid Pours in to Haiti
Real Strength Is Network of Parishes, Says Director
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, JAN. 18, 2010 ( Zenit.org ).- Aid from the Church continues pouring into Haiti, where rescue workers are still finding scattered survivors under the rubble from Tuesday's 7.0 earthquake.
As the catastrophe nears its week anniversary, the network of Caritas Internationalis has been able to begin meeting some of the vast needs. Rescuers from Caritas found three victims alive on Saturday, another three on Sunday.
The estimated number of casualties is now at 200,000, though the majority of victims' bodies are still trapped beneath the chaos of fallen buildings.
Caritas organizations are running two mobile operating rooms and working on six mobile clinics. They've sent thousands of blankets, tents, water cans and purification tablets. Twenty trucks of aid arrived in Port-au-Prince on Sunday.
An emergency clinic is being flown in from Holland, complete with a surgeon and six technical staff for installing water purifying installations and seven water purifying installations.
Thirty-four tons of aid will be flown into Haiti from Germany on Tuesday.
"The real strength of Caritas is its network of parishes that gives us direct contact with communities and a point from which we can provide help," said Alistair Dutton, Humanitarian Director for Caritas Internationalis, who is leading the international coordination of the Caritas aid agencies response from Port-au-Prince.
Distribution
But one problem is getting aid in; another is getting it into the hands of hungry, thirsty Haitians.
Up to three million people are in need of help.
Caritas communications officer Michelle Hough recorded in her blog from Haiti on Sunday the difficulties simply getting from one place to another.
"We travel with a Caritas assessment team to Petit Goave, a small town 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Port-au-Prince in the afternoon," she wrote. "It takes us over two hours. In some places the road has massive holes and cracks. It’s tough going in a jeep, I can’t imagine how aid trucks will manage."
Hough noted how the media have made much of insecurity on the island: "As for insecurity, apart from the gunshots last night there has been no indication of violence. Looking at the faces of the people in Port-au-Prince, they are in shock and haven’t even begun to come to terms with what has happened."
NOTE: Please visit Catholic Relief Services for more information
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, JAN. 18, 2010 ( Zenit.org ).- Aid from the Church continues pouring into Haiti, where rescue workers are still finding scattered survivors under the rubble from Tuesday's 7.0 earthquake.
As the catastrophe nears its week anniversary, the network of Caritas Internationalis has been able to begin meeting some of the vast needs. Rescuers from Caritas found three victims alive on Saturday, another three on Sunday.
The estimated number of casualties is now at 200,000, though the majority of victims' bodies are still trapped beneath the chaos of fallen buildings.
Caritas organizations are running two mobile operating rooms and working on six mobile clinics. They've sent thousands of blankets, tents, water cans and purification tablets. Twenty trucks of aid arrived in Port-au-Prince on Sunday.
An emergency clinic is being flown in from Holland, complete with a surgeon and six technical staff for installing water purifying installations and seven water purifying installations.
Thirty-four tons of aid will be flown into Haiti from Germany on Tuesday.
"The real strength of Caritas is its network of parishes that gives us direct contact with communities and a point from which we can provide help," said Alistair Dutton, Humanitarian Director for Caritas Internationalis, who is leading the international coordination of the Caritas aid agencies response from Port-au-Prince.
Distribution
But one problem is getting aid in; another is getting it into the hands of hungry, thirsty Haitians.
Up to three million people are in need of help.
Caritas communications officer Michelle Hough recorded in her blog from Haiti on Sunday the difficulties simply getting from one place to another.
"We travel with a Caritas assessment team to Petit Goave, a small town 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Port-au-Prince in the afternoon," she wrote. "It takes us over two hours. In some places the road has massive holes and cracks. It’s tough going in a jeep, I can’t imagine how aid trucks will manage."
Hough noted how the media have made much of insecurity on the island: "As for insecurity, apart from the gunshots last night there has been no indication of violence. Looking at the faces of the people in Port-au-Prince, they are in shock and haven’t even begun to come to terms with what has happened."
NOTE: Please visit Catholic Relief Services for more information
COR UNUM: 12 Aid Centers in Haiti
COR UNUM: TWELVE AID CENTRES IN HAITI
VATICAN CITY , 19 JAN 2010 ( VIS ) - The Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" released the following English-language communique late yesterday:
"In light of the request of the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum' that Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the international humanitarian agency of the Bishops of the United States, co-ordinate the Church's relief efforts in Haiti at this stage, CRS has been holding on-site meetings with the Haitian Episcopal Conference, the apostolic nuncio and several foreign Catholic charitable agencies, now operating in Port-au-Prince, to asses and respond to the disaster.
"The group initiated immediately the provision of food, water, clothing, shelter and medical aid for the displaced survivors in informal camps. Twelve sites have now been jointly determined as distribution points for further provision with security and operational assessments already undertaken. Personnel and supplies from neighbouring Santo Domingo and other nations continue to arrive through a variety of Catholic aid organisations.
"As with previous disasters, the concrete generosity of Churches, institutions and individuals worldwide is again being manifested. The needs and challenges remain significant, particularly on the level of movement of goods and people and security, and are likely to grow as the effects of the earthquake in and beyond Port-au-Prince become increasingly evident".
CON-CU/EARTHQUAKE/HAITI VIS 100119 (210)
NOTE: If you would like to donate to assist Catholic Relief Services in their work, visit our website www.ccdoy.org for on line donation and more information. Thanks Brian
VATICAN CITY , 19 JAN 2010 ( VIS ) - The Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" released the following English-language communique late yesterday:
"In light of the request of the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum' that Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the international humanitarian agency of the Bishops of the United States, co-ordinate the Church's relief efforts in Haiti at this stage, CRS has been holding on-site meetings with the Haitian Episcopal Conference, the apostolic nuncio and several foreign Catholic charitable agencies, now operating in Port-au-Prince, to asses and respond to the disaster.
"The group initiated immediately the provision of food, water, clothing, shelter and medical aid for the displaced survivors in informal camps. Twelve sites have now been jointly determined as distribution points for further provision with security and operational assessments already undertaken. Personnel and supplies from neighbouring Santo Domingo and other nations continue to arrive through a variety of Catholic aid organisations.
"As with previous disasters, the concrete generosity of Churches, institutions and individuals worldwide is again being manifested. The needs and challenges remain significant, particularly on the level of movement of goods and people and security, and are likely to grow as the effects of the earthquake in and beyond Port-au-Prince become increasingly evident".
CON-CU/EARTHQUAKE/HAITI VIS 100119 (210)
NOTE: If you would like to donate to assist Catholic Relief Services in their work, visit our website www.ccdoy.org for on line donation and more information. Thanks Brian
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Interview with Vatican Official All Eyes on Haiti
All Eyes on Haiti
Interview With Cardinal Cordes of Cor Unum
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 16, 2010 ( Zenit.org ).- As disaster strikes Haiti, the eyes of the world are being directed toward the poorest country of the Western world, whose long suffering has long been forgotten, says Cardinal Josef Cordes.
The president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum spoke with ZENIT about the aftermath of the 7.0-magnitude quake that hit the country Tuesday, and destroyed its capital of Port-au-Prince.
In this interview the cardinal discusses the damage done to the country, as well as what will be needed to help Haiti in the days, months and years ahead.
ZENIT: What do you know about the damage of the earthquake?
Cardinal Cordes: Initial communication was difficult, but we are beginning to receive reports from Catholic agencies working directly on the scene, such as Catholic Relief Services (the international relief and development agency of the U.S. bishops), national Caritas representatives being sent to Haiti by their bishops, Cross International Catholic Outreach, St. Vincent de Paul Confederation.
Certain facts are known through the media (loss of life, homes, etc). More specifically for us, it was the apostolic nuncio in Santo Domingo who had the first contact via e-mail with Archbishop Bernardito Auza, apostolic nuncio in Haiti. Archbishop Auza is informing us about the losses to the Church, both in terms of life and structural damage. The archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Joseph Serge-Miot, whom he described as "good" and "always smiling," was killed as he was thrown from his balcony by the force of the earthquake. Other priests, religious and at least nine seminarians have been buried under the rubble. The cathedral, chancery, and all of the parish churches have been destroyed. Archbishop Auza is visiting Catholic and other establishments, many of them ruined, to express the closeness of the Church and Holy Father.
ZENIT: What is the immediate need?
Cardinal Cordes: Every natural catastrophe is unique, but our long experience of previous disasters (e.g. Tsunami, Katrina) shows two distinct phases:
-- Short-term: manpower is needed to save lives, provide the basic necessities (water, food, shelter, prevention of disease), restore order;
-- Long-term: reconstruction, offering spiritual and psychological help, especially when media attention fades away.
Benedict XVI has called on all people of good will to be generous and concrete in their response in order to meet the immediate needs of our suffering brothers and sisters in Haiti (General Audience, Jan. 13, 2010). It is important that we are giving tangible help through the charitable agencies of the Catholic Church. Much is being organized and encouraged in this regard throughout the world.
For example, the episcopal conference of Italy has set Jan. 24 as a day of prayer and charity for the people of Haiti. The national embassies to the Holy See are organizing the sacrifice of the Holy Mass to be offered for our suffering brothers and sisters. We must remember to intercede through prayer and not only money for the suffering of Haiti.
ZENIT: What is being done concretely by the Holy See/Pontifical Council Cor Unum?
Cardinal Cordes: In his appeal for assistance, Benedict XVI asked specifically that the Catholic Church mobilize herself at once through her charitable institutions. Several Catholic organizations have already begun working, offering especially personnel with expertise at this stage (e.g. the national Caritas of Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Austria, the Order of Malta). Cross International Catholic Outreach is at work through its office in Port-au-Prince. We are receiving daily updates from them all.
Whenever a situation like this arises, it is the custom for one agency to coordinate relief efforts. To this end, in the hours following the earthquake, our Pontifical Council was in direct contact with Catholic Relief Services. We asked that it coordinate the response at this stage in view of the 300 plus staff it has in Haiti, its long history of over 50 years in the country, as well as its expertise in dealing with similar disasters worldwide and its resources. The President of CRS has assured us: "We stand committed and ready to inform and coordinate the response of the Church in whatever way possible so that her response may be an effective sign of God's love."
We know from the apostolic nuncio in Haiti that meetings are taking place with CRS and Caritas Haiti at the Nunciature in Port-au-Prince in order that the urgent local needs are addressed. It is essential that the local Church be heard. To this end, we are pleased that those Haitian bishops, who have been able to travel, have been present at these meetings.
ZENIT: How much does people's faith help them through a catastrophe such as this?
Cardinal Cordes: The faith of the people who have suffered in this disaster will play a critical role in not only bringing relief to their physical injuries and losses, but also in addressing the spiritual dimension and meaning to be found in such a catastrophe. In visiting disaster areas before and talking with survivors, many express their gratitude to God for sparing their lives and for the generous outpouring of assistance made available to them by family, friends, neighbors, and Churches worldwide. Because of the large Catholic population (80% of Haitians are Catholics), faith and the concrete presence/witness of the Church will have a very important role in the present tragedy.
Our Pontifical Council Cor Unum had already planned that the next meeting of the Populorum Progressio Foundation would take place in Santo Domingo this coming July. The foundation, established by Pope John Paul II, is to help the indigenous peoples of the Latin American and Caribbean countries. In the past, we have given much help to Haiti and we shall continue to do so. Of course, our spiritual closeness is of primary importance. We shall be certain to celebrate the Holy Eucharist on that occasion with bishops coming from different countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Without faith, this tragedy would turn into a complete disaster. That is why it will be essential for our brothers and sisters to pray together; experience Christians worldwide sharing their burdens as members of God's family; know the compassion of our Holy Father. All these become sources of hope and energy. In His first encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est," Pope Benedict invites us to recall "St. Augustine who gives us faith's answer to our sufferings: 'Si comprehendis, non est Deus' -- 'if you understand him, he is not God.'" The Holy Father adds: "Even in their bewilderment and failure to understand the world around them, Christians continue to believe in the 'goodness and loving kindness of God' (Titus 3:4)" (No. 38).
ZENIT: Will good come from this tragedy?
Cardinal Cordes: This is a disaster that has caused immense loss of life and suffering. Many years will be needed for the nation to be rebuilt physically and the people to recover in their spirits. For this reason, the Church must remain present even as others move away.
But already we see good rising from the ruins. The eyes of the world are being open to the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, whose long suffering was all but forgotten. This tragedy shows that we depend on each other and must care for our suffering brothers and sisters, just as we did during the Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. So we must ensure that the necessary assistance now being shown to Haiti continues in the long-term, for example through setting up better local Caritas structures and links with government development ministries of wealthier countries and help agencies.
We are witnessing and hearing of many selfless and heroic acts made to save lives and to rescue those in danger. There are still thousands of others, who, coming from all over the world and without any accolades, are dedicating themselves to helping whoever is in need. People are being moved to give of themselves spiritually and materially to help the poor and suffering. In the coming days and weeks, I am convinced that we shall encounter in the midst of this catastrophe many examples of goodness.
Above all, it is with trustworthy hope in the Crucified and Risen Lord Jesus that Christians face the present. In his encyclical "Spe Salvi," Pope Benedict speaks of the sufferings of this moment being borne through hope in the future. It is not that Christians know the details of what awaits them, but they know in general terms that their life will not end in emptiness: "Only when the future is certain as a positive reality does it become possible to live the present as well" (Spe Salvi No. 2).
Interview With Cardinal Cordes of Cor Unum
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 16, 2010 ( Zenit.org ).- As disaster strikes Haiti, the eyes of the world are being directed toward the poorest country of the Western world, whose long suffering has long been forgotten, says Cardinal Josef Cordes.
The president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum spoke with ZENIT about the aftermath of the 7.0-magnitude quake that hit the country Tuesday, and destroyed its capital of Port-au-Prince.
In this interview the cardinal discusses the damage done to the country, as well as what will be needed to help Haiti in the days, months and years ahead.
ZENIT: What do you know about the damage of the earthquake?
Cardinal Cordes: Initial communication was difficult, but we are beginning to receive reports from Catholic agencies working directly on the scene, such as Catholic Relief Services (the international relief and development agency of the U.S. bishops), national Caritas representatives being sent to Haiti by their bishops, Cross International Catholic Outreach, St. Vincent de Paul Confederation.
Certain facts are known through the media (loss of life, homes, etc). More specifically for us, it was the apostolic nuncio in Santo Domingo who had the first contact via e-mail with Archbishop Bernardito Auza, apostolic nuncio in Haiti. Archbishop Auza is informing us about the losses to the Church, both in terms of life and structural damage. The archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Joseph Serge-Miot, whom he described as "good" and "always smiling," was killed as he was thrown from his balcony by the force of the earthquake. Other priests, religious and at least nine seminarians have been buried under the rubble. The cathedral, chancery, and all of the parish churches have been destroyed. Archbishop Auza is visiting Catholic and other establishments, many of them ruined, to express the closeness of the Church and Holy Father.
ZENIT: What is the immediate need?
Cardinal Cordes: Every natural catastrophe is unique, but our long experience of previous disasters (e.g. Tsunami, Katrina) shows two distinct phases:
-- Short-term: manpower is needed to save lives, provide the basic necessities (water, food, shelter, prevention of disease), restore order;
-- Long-term: reconstruction, offering spiritual and psychological help, especially when media attention fades away.
Benedict XVI has called on all people of good will to be generous and concrete in their response in order to meet the immediate needs of our suffering brothers and sisters in Haiti (General Audience, Jan. 13, 2010). It is important that we are giving tangible help through the charitable agencies of the Catholic Church. Much is being organized and encouraged in this regard throughout the world.
For example, the episcopal conference of Italy has set Jan. 24 as a day of prayer and charity for the people of Haiti. The national embassies to the Holy See are organizing the sacrifice of the Holy Mass to be offered for our suffering brothers and sisters. We must remember to intercede through prayer and not only money for the suffering of Haiti.
ZENIT: What is being done concretely by the Holy See/Pontifical Council Cor Unum?
Cardinal Cordes: In his appeal for assistance, Benedict XVI asked specifically that the Catholic Church mobilize herself at once through her charitable institutions. Several Catholic organizations have already begun working, offering especially personnel with expertise at this stage (e.g. the national Caritas of Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Austria, the Order of Malta). Cross International Catholic Outreach is at work through its office in Port-au-Prince. We are receiving daily updates from them all.
Whenever a situation like this arises, it is the custom for one agency to coordinate relief efforts. To this end, in the hours following the earthquake, our Pontifical Council was in direct contact with Catholic Relief Services. We asked that it coordinate the response at this stage in view of the 300 plus staff it has in Haiti, its long history of over 50 years in the country, as well as its expertise in dealing with similar disasters worldwide and its resources. The President of CRS has assured us: "We stand committed and ready to inform and coordinate the response of the Church in whatever way possible so that her response may be an effective sign of God's love."
We know from the apostolic nuncio in Haiti that meetings are taking place with CRS and Caritas Haiti at the Nunciature in Port-au-Prince in order that the urgent local needs are addressed. It is essential that the local Church be heard. To this end, we are pleased that those Haitian bishops, who have been able to travel, have been present at these meetings.
ZENIT: How much does people's faith help them through a catastrophe such as this?
Cardinal Cordes: The faith of the people who have suffered in this disaster will play a critical role in not only bringing relief to their physical injuries and losses, but also in addressing the spiritual dimension and meaning to be found in such a catastrophe. In visiting disaster areas before and talking with survivors, many express their gratitude to God for sparing their lives and for the generous outpouring of assistance made available to them by family, friends, neighbors, and Churches worldwide. Because of the large Catholic population (80% of Haitians are Catholics), faith and the concrete presence/witness of the Church will have a very important role in the present tragedy.
Our Pontifical Council Cor Unum had already planned that the next meeting of the Populorum Progressio Foundation would take place in Santo Domingo this coming July. The foundation, established by Pope John Paul II, is to help the indigenous peoples of the Latin American and Caribbean countries. In the past, we have given much help to Haiti and we shall continue to do so. Of course, our spiritual closeness is of primary importance. We shall be certain to celebrate the Holy Eucharist on that occasion with bishops coming from different countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Without faith, this tragedy would turn into a complete disaster. That is why it will be essential for our brothers and sisters to pray together; experience Christians worldwide sharing their burdens as members of God's family; know the compassion of our Holy Father. All these become sources of hope and energy. In His first encyclical, "Deus Caritas Est," Pope Benedict invites us to recall "St. Augustine who gives us faith's answer to our sufferings: 'Si comprehendis, non est Deus' -- 'if you understand him, he is not God.'" The Holy Father adds: "Even in their bewilderment and failure to understand the world around them, Christians continue to believe in the 'goodness and loving kindness of God' (Titus 3:4)" (No. 38).
ZENIT: Will good come from this tragedy?
Cardinal Cordes: This is a disaster that has caused immense loss of life and suffering. Many years will be needed for the nation to be rebuilt physically and the people to recover in their spirits. For this reason, the Church must remain present even as others move away.
But already we see good rising from the ruins. The eyes of the world are being open to the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, whose long suffering was all but forgotten. This tragedy shows that we depend on each other and must care for our suffering brothers and sisters, just as we did during the Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. So we must ensure that the necessary assistance now being shown to Haiti continues in the long-term, for example through setting up better local Caritas structures and links with government development ministries of wealthier countries and help agencies.
We are witnessing and hearing of many selfless and heroic acts made to save lives and to rescue those in danger. There are still thousands of others, who, coming from all over the world and without any accolades, are dedicating themselves to helping whoever is in need. People are being moved to give of themselves spiritually and materially to help the poor and suffering. In the coming days and weeks, I am convinced that we shall encounter in the midst of this catastrophe many examples of goodness.
Above all, it is with trustworthy hope in the Crucified and Risen Lord Jesus that Christians face the present. In his encyclical "Spe Salvi," Pope Benedict speaks of the sufferings of this moment being borne through hope in the future. It is not that Christians know the details of what awaits them, but they know in general terms that their life will not end in emptiness: "Only when the future is certain as a positive reality does it become possible to live the present as well" (Spe Salvi No. 2).
Cor Unum requests that Catholic Relief Services coordinates Haitian Relief
In the hours following the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, the Holy Father made an appeal far the mobilization of spiritual and material assistance, declaring that "the Catholic Church shall not fail to activate herself immediately through her charitable institutions" (General Audience, January 13, 2010).
As with other tragedies, Catholics are already being zealous in providing tangible aid Several Catholic agencies are at work and are sending manpower, which is especially urgent. The Pontifical Council Cor Unum, in direct contact with Catholic Relief Services, the international humanitarian agency of the Bishops of the United States, has asked it to coordinate the relief efforts at this stage. The 300 plus on-the-ground personnel, who have long been active in Haiti, and the past experience, expertise and resources of CRS will enable prompt and effective coordination of the Church's efforts, which, in the words of Pope Benedict, must be generous and concrete to meet the pressing needs of our Haitian brothers and sisters.
[00053-02.01] [Original text: English]
[B0027-XX.01]
As with other tragedies, Catholics are already being zealous in providing tangible aid Several Catholic agencies are at work and are sending manpower, which is especially urgent. The Pontifical Council Cor Unum, in direct contact with Catholic Relief Services, the international humanitarian agency of the Bishops of the United States, has asked it to coordinate the relief efforts at this stage. The 300 plus on-the-ground personnel, who have long been active in Haiti, and the past experience, expertise and resources of CRS will enable prompt and effective coordination of the Church's efforts, which, in the words of Pope Benedict, must be generous and concrete to meet the pressing needs of our Haitian brothers and sisters.
[00053-02.01] [Original text: English]
[B0027-XX.01]
Thursday, October 15, 2009
What Aid From 1 Country Means for Caritas
Victims of Natural Disasters Receive Assistance
ROME, OCT. 13, 2009 ( Zenit.org ).- Some 300,000 people affected by natural disasters that have in the last two weeks devastated regions of Asia and the Pacific are receiving humanitarian aid through the Caritas network.
Local Caritas agencies in Sumatra, Cambodia, India, the Philippines and Samoa are implementing in their respective countries the emergency plans devised to identify the most urgent needs of the victims and the most vulnerable areas.
In general, the priorities of those affected are similar: urgent food and health aid, drinking water, household goods, warm clothing, building materials and psychological-social support for victims.
In Sumatra, Caritas Indonesia (KARINA) is helping 7,500 households (some 40,000 people) in the areas most scourged by the earthquake of last Sept. 30. A Joint Caritas Response Team, specialized in emergencies, is working in the districts of Padang and Pariaman, where they have identified priority areas in the towns of Sungai Sariak and Lurah Ampalu.
In addition to these victims, the Caritas team is also helping 10,000 victims in parishes in the city of Padang. The total estimated cost of the first phase of the emergency plan of Caritas Indonesia is €235,000 ($348,510).
Among the ongoing emergencies in Asia, the one affecting the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, due to the heavy rains of the last few weeks, has the greatest number of victims. Around 18 million people are affected and 2.5 million have been displaced, while 250,000 homes have been destroyed.
Caritas India has responded to this emergency with a plan valued at €1.5 million ($2.2 million), with which humanitarian aid will be given over the next three months to a population of 35,500 families (some 200,000 people) in more than 700 localities of nine districts.
The activities included in this emergency plan include the urgent distribution of water and food and the furnishing of family allotments of hygiene products, as well as the distribution of household goods, clothes and blankets.
In Samoa, where the tidal wave of Sept. 28 left thousands of people homeless, Caritas has prepared an emergency response plan amounting to an initial value of €145,000 ($215,000) to help the most affected communities.
Caritas Samoa, which has the support of experts from Caritas Australia, reported that in addition to the distribution of basic aid to the victims, in this first phase of the emergency they are giving priority to the psychological-social support of those affected, the recovery of educational activities and the delivery of temporary shelters.
For their part, Caritas of the Philippines and Cambodia continues to implement their respective plans in response to the emergency caused in both countries by Typhoon Ketsana. Whereas in the Philippines, the Caritas network plans to assist a population of 50,000 victims over the next three months, in Cambodia the population being assisted numbers 13,000 people.
All these emergencies are being supported financially by Caritas Spain, which over the past two weeks has approved allocations amounting to €50,000 for the appeal made by Caritas India, €100,000 for the emergency in Sumatra, €50,000 for Cambodia, €20,000 for Samoa and €100,000 for the Philippines.
ROME, OCT. 13, 2009 ( Zenit.org ).- Some 300,000 people affected by natural disasters that have in the last two weeks devastated regions of Asia and the Pacific are receiving humanitarian aid through the Caritas network.
Local Caritas agencies in Sumatra, Cambodia, India, the Philippines and Samoa are implementing in their respective countries the emergency plans devised to identify the most urgent needs of the victims and the most vulnerable areas.
In general, the priorities of those affected are similar: urgent food and health aid, drinking water, household goods, warm clothing, building materials and psychological-social support for victims.
In Sumatra, Caritas Indonesia (KARINA) is helping 7,500 households (some 40,000 people) in the areas most scourged by the earthquake of last Sept. 30. A Joint Caritas Response Team, specialized in emergencies, is working in the districts of Padang and Pariaman, where they have identified priority areas in the towns of Sungai Sariak and Lurah Ampalu.
In addition to these victims, the Caritas team is also helping 10,000 victims in parishes in the city of Padang. The total estimated cost of the first phase of the emergency plan of Caritas Indonesia is €235,000 ($348,510).
Among the ongoing emergencies in Asia, the one affecting the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, due to the heavy rains of the last few weeks, has the greatest number of victims. Around 18 million people are affected and 2.5 million have been displaced, while 250,000 homes have been destroyed.
Caritas India has responded to this emergency with a plan valued at €1.5 million ($2.2 million), with which humanitarian aid will be given over the next three months to a population of 35,500 families (some 200,000 people) in more than 700 localities of nine districts.
The activities included in this emergency plan include the urgent distribution of water and food and the furnishing of family allotments of hygiene products, as well as the distribution of household goods, clothes and blankets.
In Samoa, where the tidal wave of Sept. 28 left thousands of people homeless, Caritas has prepared an emergency response plan amounting to an initial value of €145,000 ($215,000) to help the most affected communities.
Caritas Samoa, which has the support of experts from Caritas Australia, reported that in addition to the distribution of basic aid to the victims, in this first phase of the emergency they are giving priority to the psychological-social support of those affected, the recovery of educational activities and the delivery of temporary shelters.
For their part, Caritas of the Philippines and Cambodia continues to implement their respective plans in response to the emergency caused in both countries by Typhoon Ketsana. Whereas in the Philippines, the Caritas network plans to assist a population of 50,000 victims over the next three months, in Cambodia the population being assisted numbers 13,000 people.
All these emergencies are being supported financially by Caritas Spain, which over the past two weeks has approved allocations amounting to €50,000 for the appeal made by Caritas India, €100,000 for the emergency in Sumatra, €50,000 for Cambodia, €20,000 for Samoa and €100,000 for the Philippines.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Pope Sends Vatican Firemen for Earthquake Aid
Caritas Workers Bring Hope To Area of Grave Destruction
ROME, APRIL 7, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is sending aid to earthquake victims in the form of Vatican firemen, while Caritas workers move forward to assist the affected towns.
Eight rescue workers, sent by the Holy See with the express permission of the Pope, have been collaborating since Monday to help victims of the earthquake in the Abruzzo region, said the corps' commander, Domenico Giani, on Vatican Radio.
The earthquake, measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, struck close to the city of L'Aquila, around 70 miles northeast of Rome. Officials report 228 dead, 15 people missing, and around 1,000 injured.
The official explained: "During the night, no sooner than the tragedy was known, I spoke with our superiors, with Bishop Renato Boccardo and Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, secretary and president respectively of the Governor's Office for Vatican City State. Then we informed the Holy Father, the Secretary of State and the whole Secretariat."
"It seemed to us obligatory, at this time of great sorrow, that a team of our firemen should be present to give a hand," he added, explaining that the Vatican security forces "are also prepared in this area of security and civil protection."
Team approach
The Vatican sent a structural engineer to the area, and an eight-member team, with resources for civil protection and aid for the population.
The team is working in collaboration with the Italian emergency services in one of the most affected areas, the village of Onna, where 41 of the 250 inhabitants perished.
Giani said, "They worked throughout the night, recovering bodies, but now they are dedicated above all to helping the population, recovering what can be salvaged and giving moral support."
"The Holy See," he added, "with its different structures -- Cor Unum, Caritas -- always takes aid in the name of the Holy Father, when there is an emergency." "In this case," he said, "in addition to material and economic aid, professional help has also been provided."
The engineer, Paolo De Angelis, explained on Vatican Radio that the situation "is disastrous" and that despite this, "solidarity between persons" is being manifested.
He continued: "We have been received very positively: this is the message we wished to bring, a message of solidarity which the population has fully welcomed.
"The present climate among the inhabitants is one of consternation. Here above all what people need is consolation, as they have been left without anything by the earthquake."
Grave destruction
Father Vittorio Nozza, the director of Caritas in Italy, told ZENIT that the earthquake's destruction has been very grave, and "not one single house was spared from demolition."
He arrived today to L'Aquila and met with the diocesan bishop, Archbishop Giuseppe Molinari, and with the regional director of Caritas, Alberto Conti.
He said Caritas is meeting with each of the parish priests of the area "to hear firsthand what the most urgent needs are."
They agreed "to divide the affected territory into seven areas to facilitate a homogeneous aid intervention." A coordination center for Italian and diocesan Caritas is to be established immediately which will work not only during this time of emergency but also in the long-term for the region's reconstruction.
They stated the goal to provide places of shelter for children, the elderly and the sick, so that adults can dedicate themselves to reorganizing their daily life.
The priest said: "There is much composure in the villages we have been to, but in places where they have lost one or more loved ones, the question is very strong: Where is God? We answer this question with prayer and our closeness."
Father Dionisio Rodriguez, local Caritas director and pastor in Paganica, a town close to L'Aquila, plans to celebrate Easter Sunday Mass on a sports field for the earthquake victims.
"Easter Sunday offers a sign of hope and optimism," he said, "People aren't feeling much joy at the moment, but Easter Sunday provides us with a sign of life and renewal."
ROME, APRIL 7, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is sending aid to earthquake victims in the form of Vatican firemen, while Caritas workers move forward to assist the affected towns.
Eight rescue workers, sent by the Holy See with the express permission of the Pope, have been collaborating since Monday to help victims of the earthquake in the Abruzzo region, said the corps' commander, Domenico Giani, on Vatican Radio.
The earthquake, measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, struck close to the city of L'Aquila, around 70 miles northeast of Rome. Officials report 228 dead, 15 people missing, and around 1,000 injured.
The official explained: "During the night, no sooner than the tragedy was known, I spoke with our superiors, with Bishop Renato Boccardo and Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, secretary and president respectively of the Governor's Office for Vatican City State. Then we informed the Holy Father, the Secretary of State and the whole Secretariat."
"It seemed to us obligatory, at this time of great sorrow, that a team of our firemen should be present to give a hand," he added, explaining that the Vatican security forces "are also prepared in this area of security and civil protection."
Team approach
The Vatican sent a structural engineer to the area, and an eight-member team, with resources for civil protection and aid for the population.
The team is working in collaboration with the Italian emergency services in one of the most affected areas, the village of Onna, where 41 of the 250 inhabitants perished.
Giani said, "They worked throughout the night, recovering bodies, but now they are dedicated above all to helping the population, recovering what can be salvaged and giving moral support."
"The Holy See," he added, "with its different structures -- Cor Unum, Caritas -- always takes aid in the name of the Holy Father, when there is an emergency." "In this case," he said, "in addition to material and economic aid, professional help has also been provided."
The engineer, Paolo De Angelis, explained on Vatican Radio that the situation "is disastrous" and that despite this, "solidarity between persons" is being manifested.
He continued: "We have been received very positively: this is the message we wished to bring, a message of solidarity which the population has fully welcomed.
"The present climate among the inhabitants is one of consternation. Here above all what people need is consolation, as they have been left without anything by the earthquake."
Grave destruction
Father Vittorio Nozza, the director of Caritas in Italy, told ZENIT that the earthquake's destruction has been very grave, and "not one single house was spared from demolition."
He arrived today to L'Aquila and met with the diocesan bishop, Archbishop Giuseppe Molinari, and with the regional director of Caritas, Alberto Conti.
He said Caritas is meeting with each of the parish priests of the area "to hear firsthand what the most urgent needs are."
They agreed "to divide the affected territory into seven areas to facilitate a homogeneous aid intervention." A coordination center for Italian and diocesan Caritas is to be established immediately which will work not only during this time of emergency but also in the long-term for the region's reconstruction.
They stated the goal to provide places of shelter for children, the elderly and the sick, so that adults can dedicate themselves to reorganizing their daily life.
The priest said: "There is much composure in the villages we have been to, but in places where they have lost one or more loved ones, the question is very strong: Where is God? We answer this question with prayer and our closeness."
Father Dionisio Rodriguez, local Caritas director and pastor in Paganica, a town close to L'Aquila, plans to celebrate Easter Sunday Mass on a sports field for the earthquake victims.
"Easter Sunday offers a sign of hope and optimism," he said, "People aren't feeling much joy at the moment, but Easter Sunday provides us with a sign of life and renewal."
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