Madrid, Spain, Jan 5, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Bishop Joseph Parthan of the Diocese of Surat Thani in Thailand said the Church in that country is preparing to assist in getting aid to the tsunami victims in regions that lie beyond the reach of government institutions.
Speaking to the Salesian News Agency, Bishop Parthan said religious and lay volunteers will be providing psychological and material support to victims, helping to collect information and to provide urgent medical care.
After commenting on the situation of his dioceses, which was one of the hardest hid by the tsunami, the Salesian bishop said he has developed a plan to support people affected by the disaster.
“We are preparing a booklet in three languages, Thai, English and Italian, describing what has happened with photographs illustrating the damage caused,” he added.
Regarding children who have been left orphaned by the tsunami, Bishop Prathan said the King of Thailand has offered to help.
He also said the disaster has allowed people to witness the solidarity that exists in the Catholic Church with those who suffer no matter what their race or religion.
The Salesian Order has a large presence in Southeast Asia, which is predominantly Buddhist and Muslim.