Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – On his visit yesterday to L'Aquila and the surrounding areas devastated by the earthquake, Italian Bishops' Conference President Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco announced that another 2 million Euros would be donated for a first aid center and for Caritas in L'Aquila, whose center has been completely destroyed. Cardinal Bagnasco then renewed his invitation asking that everyone participate in the nationwide collection to be held April 19, 2009, in all of Italy's parishes and whose proceeds will be immediately delivered to the people of Abruzzo.
“In this time of Easter, I come to convey the affection and closeness of the Italian Bishops and their dioceses,” the Cardinal said in his homily during the Mass celebrated on Field 1 in “Piazza delle Armi” in L'Aquila. “The Holy Father immediately manifested his prayer and closeness, and thus the entire Church here in Italy has wished to reach out always and especially in these moments and circumstances. This is our history!” The Cardinal expressed his admiration for “the simplicity and strength of spirit” that the earthquake victims have shown the rest of Italy. “We see a people who, although suffering from profound mourning and loss of that which has cost them efforts and sacrifice, are not resigning themselves to fate, but with dignity are reacting with decision and confidence, encouraged as well by the goodness and affection around them...We too wish to thank you, dear friends, for your testimony of firm and authentic faith. Your words of simplicity speak clearly, telling us that God, Christ, the Blessed Virgin, the Saints are all a part of your life and the churches in your city and towns have been your homes...Let us remain united in prayer, so that the Risen Lord may inspire in each of us the strength to look to the future with hope, accompanied by the solidarity of all people, a solidarity that should not die out with time, but continue on.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 15/4/2009)
