Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jimani (Fides Service) - “ After the first emotional impact, people are forgetting and soon the poor people here will rely on long term solidarity” Father Luis Rosario Peña, head of youth pastoral in the archdiocese of Santo Domingo told Fides in a report on the situation after severe floods which struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic in late May. "Faced with this tragedy and many other calamities which occur all over the world it is important for people to realise that solidarity cannot be momentary, a result of emotion, it is necessary to create a culture of solidarity." The floods happened at dawn on 24 May after three days of continual rain and Father Luis Rosario recalled that "more than 400 people were killed in the Dominican Republic and 1,000 in Haiti by the floods which left in their wake thousands of homeless and widespread destruction".
Immediately national and international organisations, NGOs sent relief aid. “National and international solidarity came quickly - said Father Luis - But it was the fruit of the emotion of the moment. Although the results were positive it is necessary to create a culture of solidarity ”.
"It is terrible to suddenly find yourself with nothing and even more if you have lost loved ones. Psychologists and psychiatrists came to help. Many regular church goers went to assist brothers and sisters in need. The young members of Youth Pastoral groups and other associations were also very active. The local Church, the parish in particular, did a wonderful job of co-ordinating assistance from other countries and Churches and also from individuals who wanted to show their solidarity."
Through Fides Father Luis Rosario appeals for authentic solidarity: "this is not a question of settling your conscience for a moment because the poor, the marginalised, victims of tragedies need acts of solidarity which last more than a moment." (RG) (Agenzia Fides 9/6/2004; Righe 27; Parole 383)
