Solidarity with victims of tsunamis disaster

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is difficult to find the words to express our feelings of profound shock and sadness over the horrific devastation unleashed by the tsunamis that struck the Asian and African coasts in the Indian Ocean. The sheer magnitude of the suffering is almost beyond our capacity to comprehend. Daily the death toll mounts to unimaginable numbers. Now survivors face the tragic loss of loved ones, great danger from disease and the enormous task of reconstruction.

Like believers everywhere, our hearts and our prayers go out to them and we assure them of our solidarity and support.

The international community has quickly responded to this great need of the human family. Our own worldwide agency, Catholic Relief Services, already had a significant presence in the region and is providing emergency supplies and relief to the countless numbers who have lost loved ones and their livelihood. I have asked the Catholic faithful in our parishes to express their care and concern for this suffering by contributing to a special collection, which I have asked all parishes to conduct as soon as possible. This will be forwarded to Catholic Relief Services to be sent immediately to those in need.

I am confident that as we recover from our own experience with the deadly forces of nature, we will remember those who died in the tsunamis and do all we can to relieve the suffering of those who are living through this disaster.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ