The Archdiocese of Lima said this week it will continue to send priests to the region of Ica until normalcy returns to the diocese that was struck by an earthquake on August 15.

Priests in groups of eight or ten have been sent to the devastated coastal region in order to help administer the sacraments and provide spiritual support to the thousands of people affected by the quake in the cities of Chincha, Pisco and Ica.  Likewise, members of various religious orders and young people have volunteered to help out in the relief effort.

According to archdiocesan sources, the pastoral work in earthquake-stricken region is taking place in dozens of relief centers and parishes. On September 2, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani of Lima called for solidarity with those stricken by the devastation.  “Brothers and sisters, may there be someone in my life every day to whom I can lend a hand (…), and therefore that humility, that solidarity will fill us with the happiness that everyone desires.”