Recent weather has produced torrential rains and destructive flooding in many places. From Colombia we were informed of floods and the countryside and towns of Bajo Cauca and the Mojana Sucrena. The River Cauca burst the dams that protected the river town of Guaranda flooding fields, trails, roads, streets and houses. The parish church of Guaranda has been used as a shelter for at least 100 people. The missionaries are not in a position to secure for the displaced safer lodging, food or other necessities. This scene is lived out also in San Jacinto, Tenche, Galindo, la Raya and Puerto Venecia (Pajon). The fields and farms behind Puerto Venecia are still under water since the last floods that occurred four months ago. It is a situation where there is hunger, devastation and misery.
In a recent conversation with the Vice-Visitor of Costa Rica he explained to me that the areas in the Atlantic zone where we have two parishes of Amubri and Biribri (Talamanca) have been flooded. Both houses are serving as shelters for those who have lost their homes or possessions or are waiting for the waters reside. He explained to me that the Red Cross, the Catholic Church and others have taken measures to respond to these urgent need.
The Superior General has sent help from the Curia but he also wants to appeal to the generosity of each and everyone according to your means to help these brothers and sisters in need. The money can be sent to the General Curia in the name of Father Gouldrick, the Econome Generale, indicating if it is a donation for Costa Rica and/or Colombia.*
Similar floodings have occurred in Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro, two of the Provinces of Panama, The confreres in charge assure us that they have sufficient help for now.
In all these situations mentioned, it would be most helpful if we lift up our prayers for those who have been left without their homes. Hopefully with our prayers and financial assistance, we can assure that for them there will be “room in the inn.”
* If anyone outside the Congregation wants to send help, please ask the Visitor of the Province for the most expedient way to send the donation.
