Solidarity with the people affected by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul

Update in Portuguese
Letter from the Provincial – Brasil Sul-Amazônia (in Portuguese)

Since last week, the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the territory of the Province Brasil Sul-Amazônia, has been experiencing a serious emergency caused by excessive rainfall. “The situation in which we find ourselves at the moment, as citizens and society, is difficult to assimilate and understand,” said the Provincial, Brother Deivis Alexandre Fischer, in a letter sent to the Province. Pope Francis, too, in the traditional Angelus prayer last Sunday, assured his prayers for the people affected by the great floods: “May the Lord welcome the dead and comfort their families and those who have had to leave their homes”.

In the region, many families are homeless and without basic supplies to survive. In order to show solidarity with those who most need help at this time, the Province has organized an emergency campaign to collect donations. “Our Marist community is united in helping and easing the pain of so many people who have already lost so much,” said Brother Deivis.

At least seven Marist centers in the Porto Alegre region were completely overwhelmed by the waters. The words of Brother Miguel Antonio Orlandi, who lives on Ilha Grande dos Marinheiros, one of the places affected, reflect how dramatic the situation is: “There isn’t a single house without water inside. We can say that we have literally lost everything. Now it’s no longer possible to access the area”.

On April 4, the Marists of Brazil celebrated for the first time the Marist Day of Our Lady Good Mother. In this context, the Provincial said: “Through Mary, Champagnat teaches us to be close to the most vulnerable with courage, tenderness and love. Difficult times are times to take care of the lives of our brothers and sisters. Let’s continue together!”