Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Jose (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic Church in Costa Rica is organizing a national collection that will take place this Sunday, January 18, in all the parishes of the country, to benefit the victims of the earthquake that occurred this past Thursday, registering 6.2 on the Richter scale.
“The soul of the Costa Rican people is wounded, but we should be generous and not give from our surplus but from among the things we have need of, as the emergency has reached unprecedented proportions,” said Archbishop Hugo Barrantes Urena of San Jose, in presenting the campaign. The Association Works of the Holy Spirit already took up a large collection this past weekend, as did the Basilica of Los Angeles and other local parishes in the emergency zone.
The strong quake did not cause significant damages in the area of San Jose, the capital, however it did take its toll on the inhabitants of the rural communities near the Poas Volcano, the area of the epicenter, where hundreds were evacuated from their homes. According to initial assessments, the number of victims has risen to 20, as rescue workers intensify efforts. There are an additional 61 missing persons, 2,000 affected, and 400 destroyed or damaged homes. These are still nearly 800 people isolated in small villages, which have been left inaccessible. Collection points have been determined for gathering donations throughout the country, as well as special bank accounts to facilitate offering donations and aid in this emergency situation. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/1/2009)
