Rector of Chilean shrine: Rescue of miners was joint act of God and man

Santiago, Chile, Oct 22, 2010 / 14:56 pm

The rector of the Chilean National Shrine of Maipu, Father Carlos Cox, explained that the rescue of the 33 miners trapped in the San Jose mine is a sign of how God, together with man, brings about “true miracles.”

Speaking with CNA, Fr. Cox noted that Catholics must first give thanks to God for the rescue. “If we look at this rescue from the engineering perspective, we can see that God is present.”

“There was obviously a first-class technical effort, with the support of the government.” The priest added that “the engineer in  charge of the operation (Greg Hall) said it himself, the experience of God was very important.”

Hall previously told CNA about “one particular time when we were stuck, and really, I had no more answers. I was standing on the drill rig, and there really wasn't anything, technically, we were able to do. So I just started praying.”

The drill bit eventually loosened, and the team continued work on what Hall said was “the hardest job I've ever been on in my 25 years, by far.”

Fr. Cox said the miners will continue to receive the pastoral care they need, and that Bishop Gaspar Quintana of Copiapo plans on continuing to meet with them and their families, “because he knows that the future they are facing will not be easy.”

An ecumenical liturgy in thanksgiving for the rescue will be lead by Bishop Alejandro Goic Karmelic, president of the Chilean Bishops’ Conference on Oct. 25.