Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – Immediately following the destructive earthquake that took place during the night of Sunday, April 5 to Monday, April 6 in various parts of Abruzzo, causing at least 150 deaths and 1,500 wounded, and leaving thousands homeless, the Italian Bishops' Conference issued the following statement: “Dismayed by the catastrophe of the earthquake that struck L'Aquila and other parts of the Abruzzo area, we wish to express our closeness to the population affected by this dramatic event. While we join in prayer for all the victims, we ask that the parishes, religious institutes, and lay groups contribute to helping the thousands of people being forced to live in difficult conditions. We hope that the generosity of many can bring relief to the physical pain and moral suffering of those who, in a matter of seconds, have witnessed the destruction of what was built with the sacrifices and efforts of a lifetime. With Easter now approaching, may the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ be a sign of hope and a source of charity for all.”
Following the earthquake which struck the Abruzzo region, the coordination of the rescue efforts carried out by the different Caritas which had offered their help both from Italy and from abroad was promptly taken up by Caritas Italy. Caritas Italy, working in close collaboration with the regional delegate, with the directors of the diocesan Caritas of Abruzzo-Molise and with local bishops, is trying to assist people through prayers and material support, thus assessing, in this first phase, the needs of the local communities hit by the quake, in order to plan suitable interventions. To support the ongoing relief efforts (reason for payment “Terremoto Abruzzo” –Earthquake in Abruzzo), donations can be made to Caritas Italia through a bank transfer to the account number 347013 or via UNICREDIT BANCA DI ROMA S.P.A. IBAN IT38 K03002 05206 000401120727. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 7/4/2009)
