Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – Fr. Timothy Lehane Barrett, SVD, Secretary General of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, has expressed his profound gratitude to all the National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies and their collaborators for showing their solidarity with the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the terrible earthquake. “I am sure that in these days, we have all felt the presence and the proximity of so many people asking us questions and wanting to help,” writes Fr. Timothy in his message, in which he informs that the PMS National Director in Haiti, Fr. Clarck de la Cruz, for whom many had shown concern, has survived the earthquake and is unjurt.
The many images of suffering, despair, and pain have moved the world to brotherhood, comments Fr. Timothy, and amidst all these events that have not been reported on by the mass media, are testimonies from our missionaries and volunteers who are working on site every day. “Let us continue to ask the Lord to bless their efforts and give them strength. Their presence and work gives us the encouragement and strength to continue to hope that the people there can recover from this terrible tragedy.”
Mentioning the spirit of solidarity and the aid coming in from so many countries, Fr. Timothy explains that “it will be a great comforted to them and to the missionaries to know that the entire international community is taking action in so many concrete ways.” He continues, saying: “Here at the International Office, we have helped from our Emergency Fund and many of our own National PMS offices are also actively involved in this coordination to help in their own countries. As missionary animators and National Directors, we know that we join this fraternal crusade for the long haul and let us continue to encourage others to do so.” The message concludes with an invitation to continue praying for all Haitians and, in particular, for all those who are suffering. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 28/1/2010)
