Earthquake In Haiti

Help The Victims of Haiti Earthquake

To the brothers who live in Haiti and to the dear Province of our Lady of Guadalupe in Central America May the Lord give you Peace!

My dear brothers, by listening to the news and reading the newspapers, I became aware of the tragedy that has struck the city of Haiti last night on Jan. 12. A terrible earthquake has devastated the population, sweeping across the city, claiming thousands of lives, and leaving on its path desolation, confusion, and terror.

I unite myself deeply and from the heart to all the brothers who share their lives with the Haitians, especially those who are suffering the most at this time. My thoughts go most especially to the poorest, to children, the elderly, the sick, and the handicapped. My heart goes out also to those who are trapped and wounded under the rubble of their homes and buildings.

The earth has sown anew desolation and the infrastructure has been badly damaged. I am aware that great buildings such as the presidential palace, the Cathedral, and the headquarters of the UN have been leveled to the ground as well as the homes of the needy, people who already live with the bare minimum. Also, the means of communication have crumbled, resulting in great confusion.

I wish now to bring this desolating situation to the Good God. May his Fatherly heart welcome all those who have passed away! May He console your families, be the strength of the wounded, and move the hearts of all peoples so that with solidarity we can all come together and reach out to our brothers and sisters of Haiti.

With these lines I also make an appeal to all the brothers of the Order to help financially all those affected by this earthquake. I ask with urgency all the Provincials of the Order to be limitless in your generosity and make your donations to the Curia through the General Economo's office. From here, we will then send help to our brothers of Haiti.

Once again, I assure you of my prayers as I lift up to the Lord in the Eucharist all the pain and sufferings of our brothers in Haiti.

May the Lord bless and console you with all good things.

Fraternally,

Br. Jose Rodriguez Carballo, ofm
Minister General

Prot. N. 100539