" Response and Message from Claire Pratt rscj, Maria
Dolores rscj, Jane Maltby rscj, Maria Isabel Sacerdote rscj and
Son In Sook rscj."
To the Provincials and their Councils
Dear Sisters,
We are certain that, like us, you are overwhelmed by the suffering
caused by the earthquake and tsunamis in Southeast Asia. The images
which we have seen on television and in newspapers during these
days show us only a tiny fragment of what has happened and yet
they were enough to deeply move us. It is our desire that we allow
ourselves to be touched by these realities and that we contemplate
them with the compassionate Heart of Christ. We are convinced
that we are receiving a strong call through this tragedy and we
want to respond in some way to this emergency.
Without doubt there are dates that stand out in the progress of
history and transform the whole world. The 26th of December has
changed the history of southeast Asia and as an international
Society we want to be in solidarity with and present to Asia in
this extraordinarly difficult moment. There exists for all of
us a “before and an after” following the events of
December 26th.
Right now, Jane and Mariado, are participating in the meeting
of Provincial Councils of Europe in Spain. We have been in contact
with them in order to share a meeting about this tragic event
which we just had with Lolin Menéndez and Rosario Valdeavellano
during which we discussed our feelings, concerns, reflections,
and arrived at a few decisions. Mariado and Jane were in complete
agreement with our conclusions.
We want to invite each person, in every community in the Society,
in every one of the institutions where we are working and in all
the groups with whom we share our mission, to be in solidarity,
in whatever manner, with the sorrow of our brothers and sisters
in Asia. The most reliable information available about this catastrophe
and its consequences is making us more aware of the gravity of
this tragedy. Prayer and fasting can be a first step in responding
with a compassionate heart. And, sharing what we have at our disposal
with the victims and with the humanitarian organizations that
are helping will be another concrete and responsible way of expressing
the love of the Heart of Jesus.
We have already written to India and Indonesia asking them to
tell us how to direct our aid. We have also been in contact with
other organizations. When we have received some directives we
will comunicate them to you so that contributions can be better
coordinated.
We believe that in a disaster of such enormous proportions it
is not enough to help during the first moments. It will be necessary
to continue thinking of other ways of collaboration for the re-building
of these countries and cities based on our charism as educators
and by working in collaboration with other religious congregations,
NGOs, and persons of good will. We are certain that many of you
are engaged in the same reflections and posing the same question
to generate suggestions, contributions, disponibility, research,
concrete actions, etc. We would like to receive all the ideas
that the Spirit is inspiring in you through this event.
We are coming to the end of a year that has been so scarred by
various types of violence. May 2005 find all of us committed to
PEACE so that the whole world may live in greater happiness.
With much love to each one,
    
Clare Pratt rscj María Dolores Górriz rscj
Jane Maltby rscj
María Isabel Sacerdote rscj Son In Sook rsc
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