Christian solidarity includes listening to and praying with quake victims, affirms Caritas Chile

Santiago, Chile, Mar 18, 2010 / 16:04 pm

President of Caritas Chile, Bishop Manuel Camilo Vial Risopatron, recently noted that in addition to providing for the material needs of the Chilean earthquake victims, Caritas is also addressing the suffering each person is facing.

Bishop Camilo stressed that "we are attempting to accompany our work with the most profound aspects of our faith in Christ. Our efforts do not simply include receiving, processing and distributing boxes of needed goods. We are also making an effort to listen to those who need to share the suffering they have experienced and that they continue to experience with the aftershocks.”

The bishop noted that Caritas has been meeting with the victims and discussing what they love and value in their lives.  “We also talk to them about God, to whom they owe much gratitude, but still have many profound questions about.”

“Christian solidarity does not stop at providing food and shelter. It also provides time to listen, to embrace one another, and to pray together,” the bishop added.

The bishop then thanked the thousands of volunteers from parishes, colleges, movements, universities and other institutes of the Church who have made their services available to Caritas. They have subsequently accompanied people who are suffering, collected goods and have distributed them into the hands of suffering families.”

"The dignity of these people is the major concern of the Church ... We want to infuse the human spirit with respect, joy, and dignified assistance which will be truly helpful to the vulnerable situation these people are living in,” he added.