Agenzia Fides

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The devastating earthquake which hit Haiti on January 12 caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people, including Haitian Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot. On Tuesday, February 16th at 18, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Eucharistic Liturgy will be celebrated for the souls of all the dead in Haiti. The Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and will be concelebrated by Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests. The Archpriest of the Basilica, Cardinal Law emphasized that "the level of devastation caused by the earthquake of January 12 has yet to be fully evaluated... The swift and generous response from all over the world is a sign of human solidarity. Unfortunately, experience teaches us that events like these can be forgotten very quickly. The Mass provides an opportunity to pray for those who have died. The vast majority of them were natives of Haiti, but there were also victims of other countries, including the contingent of the UN. All are invited to attend this Mass to pray for those who died and for the people of Haiti at this moment that is so difficult and trying.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 13/02/2010)