ASIA/INDONESIA - In Padang the local Catholic community in front line to assist mainly Muslim Sumatra earthquake victims. The Bishop: “Charity knows no boundary”

Padang (Fides Fides) - “We are doing everything we can. We have mobilised all our resources to assist the earthquake victims, especially and most importantly prayer” said Bishop Martinus Situmorang of Padang also president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia. “Catholic volunteers are very active helping the distressed survivors mostly Muslims. Charity knows no boundaries or categories. Every diocese is taking part in a nationwide collection for funds to help the affected people. Humanitarian work is benefiting from cooperation of Caritas Germany and Caritas USA, Catholic Relief Service”, the Bishop told Fides.
The Catholic community in Padang has mobilised all its channels and resources to help people affected by the earthquake on March 6 in Summatra which killed 73 people, left 420 injured and at least 1,000 collapsed homes and other buildings.
The diocese is sending blankets, food supplies, clean water to the homeless survivors who are mostly Muslims. Among the damaged buildings there are Catholic schools and hospitals and parish structures. Moreover homeless families are being sheltered in Catholic centres and homes assisted by the local Caritas volunteers.
The government committee for relief aid coordination can rely on a network of civil society and religious organisations all over the area
Besides material assistance the Catholic communities are offering special prayers to comfort the bereaved and encourage the homeless. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/3/2007 righe 24 parole 248)