Santiago, Chile, Mar 5, 2010 / 17:06 pm
The bishops of Chile released a message Thursday encouraging Catholics to “lift their spirits, recover their confidence, and work together as one people” following the country's tragic 8.8 earthquake.
Co-authored by Bishops Alejandro Goic Karmelic and Santiago Silva Retamales, the message was titled, “In you Lord, we put our faith.” The prelates acknowledged the work many have put forth to assist the victims and highlighted the intense efforts of the Caritas Network in facilitating aid distribution.
"We need to lift our spirits, recover our confidence and work together as one people. In addition to the reconstruction of buildings and roads, we need to purify our souls which have been fractured by fear, violence and lawlessness. It is time to build bridges that allow us to better recognize each other and embrace one another as brothers."
The text also outlined "the painful and incomprehensible episodes of looting, plundering and speculation" which "force us to question our upbringing and values. However, at the same time, many people have risen above the turmoil and loss of material possessions to care for others.