EUROPE/GERMANY - “Suffering teaches us not only to pray but also to give a helping hand”. Open Letter from the National Directors of the PMS in Germany

Aachen/München (Fides Service) - “Suffering teaches us not only to pray but also to give a helping hand” the presidents of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Germany- missio Aachen e missio München - said in an Open Letter, a copy of which was sent to Fides, in which they reflect on the tragic events in Asia and call on Catholics to pray and share. Fr. Hermann Schalück OFM and Fr. Eric Englert OSA call on Catholics, friends and benefactors of the PMS in particular to give generously to help the stricken people in countries affected by the December 26 tsunami.
“Tragic events dampened the festivities for Christmas and the New Year. The world heard once again the message of peace which comes from God with the birth of his Son. But it also experienced helplessness in the face of the power of nature which demonstrate man’s limited power to plan and act. For us as Christians the best prayer in the face of such suffering is the prayer of silence, no words are needed. Suffering teaches us not only to pray but also to give a helping hand. The generosity of people all over the world in the face of this catastrophe is a sign of hope” the National Directors write.
In the meantime the Pontifical Mission Societies in Germany have made a first sum of money for relief aid available to Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Asia. The Catholic Bishops of Germany urged people to give generously to the campaign organised by Caritas Internationalis. Moreover missio Aachen and München have said all donations received in the coming weeks will be forwarded to Caritas.
Besides long term programmes for aid and rebuilding the National Directors of Germany said it is also important to reassure these stricken people and to communicate the Church’s missionary news that “God is a God of mercy and love for all men and women”.
“Sharing brings people closer. Sharing spreads hope and helps to overcome suffering. Sharing is also to tell people that in Jesus, the Son of God became man to be a brother to all men and women”, the National Directors conclude. For more information on long term aid see (www.misio.de) (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 5/1/2005 - 30 righe, 339 parole)