Many people have contacted us, asking if there is a way that they can help those affected by the earthquakes in Italy, as well as the devastating fires in Portugal.
Fr. Massimo Bellillo, SCJ, the provincial superior of the South Italian Province, said that what is needed most is financial assistance so that people can rebuild their homes and businesses. The North Italian Province is directing donations to the local Caritas office. Click here to go to the Caritas Italy website.
You can also make a donation through the US Province. Click here and go to “Donate.”
Aftershocks are still being felt following the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that ripped through central Italy on Wednesday, killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless.
“At 3:36 a.m. we heard the earthquake loudly,” said one of our SCJs in Foligno (about 20 kilometers/12 miles from Assisi). “Being woken by an earthquake is an experience that no one expects. We were kept awake because the earthquake continued for several hours with aftershocks of varying intensity.
“It was still going strong at 4:30 a.m. However, apart from the scare, especially to our 50 guests who were on a pilgrimage to Assisi, we suffered no harm, not even minor damage.”
Although SCJs are located in one of the dioceses affected by the quake, no member of the Dehonian community was injured.
Just a few weeks earlier the city of Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madiera, was surrounded by fire. The SCJs have three communities in the area. Fr. Roberto Viana Soares, SCJ, wrote about the tragedy for the congregational website. He and several other SCJs stayed behind when others evacuated, extinguishing flames when they threatened the seminary.
There too SCJs are directing donations to Caritas to assist with relief efforts.
“Thank you for your prayers and support,” said Fr. Roberto.
