CmGlobal

Fr. Carlos Rivera wrote to Superior General, Fr. Gregory Gay CM. He tells about situation and willingness of missionaries to help those in need. He also indicates how, in practical way,  we can collaborate in  this help.
Dear Fr. Gregory,

Fraternal greeting from the stricken country,

As hours and days passed, magnitude of the tragedy is more clear. There are 720 dead for now, but this figure is not stalled and seems to change as many people are still missing. There places which cannot be reached yet, and thus cannot get aid.

We are deploying our actions in places where we are, because our houses are located in all affected areas. Although we are not present in places known from the news, perhaps for this reason we can deem it is better to help those who are also suffering but who are not appearing in TV and are vulnerable to be forgotten.

In regard to material losses we ourselves have suffered, yesterday an initial survey of our church in Valparaiso was made. It was recommended to keep it closed. We do not have, however, absolute certainty of how severe damages are. We are looking forward for help to evaluate the Church of Alameda in Santiago and St. Justin House, where new students should be welcomed on 14th but probably will be sent to Santiago.

In your previous letter, you asked if we have organized some fundraising. After making some inquiries, we think,  those who want to help (as for now, the primary aim is to provide relief to the victims) , it will the best to do it through Treasurer General in the Curia who could transfer the funds in the way we would indicate.

Dear Father, we are very grateful for your concern and the concern of so many confreres who have contacted us in recent days. Several of them  have offered us their help and now we are communicating to set the best way to do it.

Receive a fraternal embrace.

Fr Carlos Rivera CM
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