Earthquake in Puerto Rico

Last week, the country was shaken by several very strong earthquakes: on Monday, the earthquake was registered at 5, 8 degrees in the Richter scale, and on Tuesday, January 7 there was another earthquake of 6.4 degrees.     

The Marists of Champagnat of the Province of Central America are present in the island with two Schools, one in Manati and another ne in Guaynabo, but these were not affected by the earthquakes.  Puerto Rico, territory of the United States, counts approximately with 3.2 millions inhabitants.   

Br. Hipoliio Perez Gómez, Provincial of Central America, mentions in the message sent to the Marist Family that “the people is going through a very hard time, with much anguish and destruction.   The Marists from Guaynabo and Manati have gone there to support and carry out tasks of solidarity”.   He also says that the community of Brothers, the relatives of the Brothers and the educators are well and the educational Centers have all the structural conditions to begin anew the classes on January 13”.   

Message of the Superior General and his Council to the Marists and all people of Puerto Rico

VJMJCh Rome, 14 January 2020

Dear brothers and sisters:

In 2017, the 22nd Marist General Chapter expressed our solidarity with all the people of Puerto Rico after the natural disaster of Hurricane Maria, whose terrible consequences deeply affected their lives and the general welfare of the population. It had for us, at the same time, a profound and heartfelt impact on seeing the enormous solidarity displayed among neighbors, families and communities to cope with the constraints and deprivations of this situation. It was a beautiful example and a reflection of the noble soul of the Puerto Rican people. Recently, we have followed with concern the news of the earthquakes and their consequences.

We deeply regret the human and material costs that these natural events have caused to a large portion of the population. We know, too, the sense of fear and insecurity that these events give rise to.

We congratulate all the people, and Marist, ecclesial and social groups who have carried out and are carrying out efforts and initiatives of solidarity towards the most affected people and communities. We know they are an expression of beautiful human and Christian compassion.

We express to you our solidarity and our constant concern for you. Be assured of our prayers. To our Lord and our Good Mother, Virgin of Providence, we commend all of you—individuals, families and communities—as well as the welfare of Puerto Rico and all its inhabitants.

Sincerely yours,

Br. Ernesto Sánchez, S.G. and General Council