Jesuits
in Haiti are working to help provide relief to families devastated by the
earthquake, giving thanks for being largely spared the worst of the disaster.
The international community
now fears that the death toll from the earthquake could be as high as 200,000,
with no way of knowing how many people lost their lives. Buildings in the town
of Port-au-Prince have been leveled, with families searching through the rubble
for their loved ones.
‘Compared
to what happened throughout Haiti and particularly in Port-au-Prince, the
houses and apostolates of the Society of Jesus have been largely spared', Fr Kawas
François SJ said in a letter to the French Canadian Provincial, Fr Daniel
LeBlond, on 13 January.
In his letter, Fr François went on to describe the situation of each
of the Jesuit communities in Haiti:
‘Ouanaminthe:
Pedro Arrupe's House and Apostolate (Solidarité transfrontalière and Fe y Alegria) are not damaged. All
Jesuits and lay colleagues fine.
‘Biassou: Karl Lévêque House is intact; the house was not damaged and the
Jesuits are fine. The house next door was destroyed. The Jesuits are trying to
rescue their neighbours.
‘Canapé-Vert: Ignatius Loyola House was slightly damaged and the Jesuits are
fine, though in shock. Houses in the neighborhood were damaged or destroyed. Fr
Sainfariste Dérino SJ was not at home at the time of the earthquake; we do not
know where he is. We will try to locate him this afternoon. We are
assisting our neighbors in need; many spent the night with us in the
garden. We believe that Br Charlot Mathurin SJ is safe in Dulagon, given
that the Artibonite Region was not hit hard by the earthquake.
‘The Novitiate, Tabarre District, Port-au-Prince:
The house was slightly damaged; the water tank on the roof collapsed and caused
some destruction. The Jesuit Fathers, the first year novices and all the
retreatants are well. The Rural Development Support Group (GADRU) house was
destroyed. Jean-Marie and lay colleagues were able to escape from the house as
the shaking began. They are safe.
‘As
yet, we have not received news about the National Bureau of Solidarité
Transfrontalière and Fe y Alegria
house on Lespinasse Street, Delmas 75, or the residence that houses the CEDAR
on 27, 1st Avenue du Travail.'
Following
the letter, it was confirmed that Fr Sainfariste Dérino is alive, but injured.
The
Jesuit Electronic News Service from Rome reports that Fr General Adolfo Nicolás
has sent €20,000 from the FACSI Fund for emergency aid, as they await further
information on the exact needs.
The
Provincial of the Jesuit Province of French Canada, Fr Daniel LeBlond SJ, has
thanked Jesuits and Jesuit organizations for their solidarity with the missions
in Haiti. He says emergency efforts will be coordinated through Jesuit Refugee
Service Dominican Republic, as well as through the Jesuits stationed in Haiti.
Donations
Jesuit Mission has launched an appeal for assistance for
victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti and would be grateful for your
support. Tax deductible donations can be made to the Jesuit Mission Haiti
Earthquake Appeal by calling 02 9955 8585, or you may send a cheque by post to
PO Box 193 North Sydney 2059 or donate online here.
(choose Greatest Need from campaign drop down menu).
Donations
can also be made through Caritas Australia at www.caritas.org.au.
Picture: A medic treats a woman injured in the quake (Wikipedia Commons).