AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - The Southern African Catholic Bishops express solidarity for the Japanese people

Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides) - On behalf of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Catholic Community of Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, OMI, of Johannesburg and President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, sent a message to The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan, Archbishop Peter Takeo Okada of Tokyo assuring him of their prayerful solidarity, saying:
“We have watched the developing crisis in Japan with sadness, shock and horror.... Many of us feel the enormity of the task ahead and the helplessness of the millions affected by the recent natural disasters. We wish to assure you that we stand with you, with the Bishops and Catholic community in Japan and with all the people of Japan.
We hope by our small contribution of prayer and solidarity, the feeling of helplessness may not turn to a feeling of hopelessness.
We pledge to continue to pray for your church and country during Lent. We ask Mary, sorrowful Mother of Jesus and help of Christians to pray with us for you.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/3/2011)