Washington D.C., Mar 2, 2010 / 16:44 pm
Following the deadly 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near the city of Concepción, Chile on Saturday, Cardinal Francis George sent the U.S. bishops' condolences to Bishop Alejandro Goić of the Chilean Catholic Conference, offering prayers for the victims.
Over 700 people are reported to have died in the catastrophe and an estimated 80 percent of the South American country has been affected, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
“I write to you having heard this morning of the news of the destructive earthquake that has struck your country,” said Cardinal George to Bishop Goić on Monday. “I write to assure you of my prayers and those of my brother Bishops in the United States for all who have been affected by this tragedy. I assure you also of our prayers for the Church and for our brother Bishops in Chile.”
“As the scope of the destruction becomes clear, our agency for disaster assistance, Catholic Relief Services, stands ready to be of assistance to you and your Caritas groups as they work to alleviate the suffering caused by the earthquake,” he added.
“Finally, Bishop Goić, I assure also my prayers for you in this moment of trial. May God bless and strengthen your service to the Church in Chile.”