Comboni General Council in solidarity with the people of Colombia

Dear Provincials and Delegates,
Warm greetings from Rome.

The General Council expresses its profound closeness and solidarity with the people of Colombia and with the Comboni Missionaries who carry out their service in that country, sharing in the pain of so many people who have been severely affected by the powerful earthquake that struck the country on 10 August, causing numerous deaths and injuries, as well as extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

At this time of trial, we wish to make our fraternal closeness and solidarity felt by the affected communities, especially by the families who have lost loved ones, by those who have been injured or have lost their homes, and by all those who are experiencing moments of fear, pain and uncertainty.

We also express our appreciation and gratitude to all those who, with generosity and courage, are engaged in rescue, assistance and relief operations for the affected populations.

As Comboni Missionaries, we accompany the peoples of Colombia and Venezuela in prayer, asking the Lord of life to welcome into His mercy those who have lost their lives, to sustain the injured and families mourning the loss of loved ones, and to grant strength, courage and hope to all those involved in providing assistance and in the difficult work of reconstruction.

For this reason, we intend to extend to Colombia the solidarity collection launched on the occasion of the recent earthquake in Venezuela. We therefore appeal to the Circumscriptions wishing to join this initiative to inform the General Treasurer’s Office of the amount they would like to have charged to them for this purpose. The funds collected will be allocated to the most urgent needs of the affected populations, so as to make them feel that no one is alone in the face of suffering, loss and the difficult work of reconstruction.

May Mary, Mother of Hope, accompany and protect the peoples of Colombia and Venezuela and sustain all those who, at this difficult time, draw close to the most vulnerable, placing their time, energy and resources at their disposal.

May the Lord grant the affected communities consolation and hope, and make all of us capable, through our solidarity, of being a concrete sign of his presence and mercy.

Fraternally,
The General council