February 15, 2005

 

 

My Dear People of God,

 

God does indeed answer in times of trial and crisis!  On December 30, 2004, the Diocese and Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fresno, called upon pastors to take a second collection at weekend Masses to assist the victims of the historic December 26 earthquake.  The earthquake was centered in the Indian Ocean and caused massive tidal waves (a tsunami) that struck areas of India, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.  Approximately 150,000 lives were lost and nearly 50,000 people were injured.

 

Praise God!  To date, we have sent $502,405.53 to the national Catholic Relief Services (CRS) office.  We expect to send more money in the next few days.  CRS is using those funds to aid the victims.  The money will be used for many different kinds of help.  CRS is helping to meet immediate needs, such as food, clean water, hygiene, temporary shelter, disease control, medical supplies, and trauma counseling.  It will also assist with long term needs, including food supply, water supply, medicine, permanent shelter, and community re-construction.

 

I am overwhelmed by your response to the second collection, as well as the response of other communities in the Diocese to the various requests for aid.  Your response is overwhelming, but not surprising.  You have opened your hearts with compassion and prayers before, when other disasters have stricken our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.

 

CRS has pledged $80 million in tsunami assistance now and over the next few years to rebuild lives, livelihoods and communities in stricken areas.

 

Please continue to pray for the survivors of the Southeast Asian tsunami, as well as for CRS and other aid workers in that area.  Please also pray for survivors of natural disasters all over the world.

 

Please know that I pray for you daily.  I am blest to be the pastor of the Diocese of Fresno where people like you respond to the needs of brothers and sisters across the world with the compassion of Our Savior. 

 

Wishing you a blessed and prayerful Lenten Season,

 

In Christ, our Lord,

Most Reverend John T. Steinbock

Bishop, Diocese of Fresno