Peruvian bishops receive gestures of solidarity amidst earthquake tragedy

Lima, Peru, Aug 20, 2007 / 08:43 am

Diverse dioceses of Latin America and Spain have expressed their solidarity and closeness to the Peruvian bishops and have initiated campaigns to help the more than 80,000 persons affected by the devastating August 15 earthquake, which shook the Peruvian coastal region of Ica.

“The suffering of so many families affected by the violent earthquake last Wednesday in Peru has caught us off guard on this 2007 Day of Solidarity. The Church in Chile is preparing her contribution,” said Bishop Cristian Contreras Villarroel, secretary general of the Chilean Bishops’ Conference.

The president of Caritas Argentina and of Caritas Latin America, Bishop Fernando Bargallo, also announced the launching of solidarity campaigns for those affected.

For their part, the Mexican bishops expressed their concern for the Peruvian people and offered prayers for the victims.  “We are confident that in this time of need the people of Mexico will express their closeness, appreciation and love for their brothers and sisters in Peru, with the spirit of Christian solidarity that characterizes them, sending help to those affected and praying and supporting those who are helping in the rescue effort,” they said.

Caritas Spain has also expressed its support for Peru by sending $135,000 in assistance and offering its commitment to aid in the recovery.

In a statement the Bishops’ Conference of Peru said this tragedy “should motivate us especially to pray to God for the all of the families that are suffering.  “Human and Christian solidarity impels us to draw close to all those affected by this terrible tragedy,” the bishops said. “This is a time of trial, but also of determination, hope, unity and love.