EUROPE/SPAIN - “We remain united with the families of more than 400 Spanish missionaries who suffer the anguish of uncertainty but know that one of their loved ones is spending his or her life for those in need” : report from Pontifical Mission Societies Spain

Madrid (Fides Service) - According to the Pontifical Mission Societies in Spain there were no victims among the 441 Spanish missionaries of 23 different congregations working in countries affected by the December 26 seaquake “although it has been impossible to contact a few of our missionaries serving in the most remote areas”.
In a joint statement with the Bishops’ Commission for Missions, the Pontifical Mission Societies expressed sympathy with the grieving families, assured prayers for the souls of the dead and the swift recovery of the injured and “closeness to missionaries’ families who suffer the anguish of uncertainty but know that one of their loved ones is spending his or her life for those in need””.
The PMS statement recalls the silent and persevering work of Spanish missionaries to serve the poor in difficult situations and environments and encourages Catholics to continue to support missionaries with prayers and offerings of money .
Congregations in front line include the Daughters of Charity who work with the Vincentian Fathers, Xaverian Religious presently involved in distributing aid. Dut to scarcity of means of transport distribution of aid is a problem. Missionaries on the site say that „in the affected countries members of all the different religions, ”Christians, Buddhists and Muslims cooperate together in relief work”. Local Caritas offices are helping to gather refugees in churches and schools and provide them with food, clothing and medical care while priests celebrate funerals”.
(RZ) (Agenzia Fides, 5/1/2005 righe 28 parole 278)