March 31, 2019 - "Devastation in 3 African Countries"

From March 4-21 Cyclone Idai devastated the African countries of Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.  It is an item that has barely made the news and yet over 750 people were called.  Many more will probably die from malaria and cholera with the devastation caused by this storm.  Our US Bishops offer prayers and solidarity for recovery after the deadly cyclone hit those countries. Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Newark and Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Africa, and U. S. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services and Chairman of the U. S. Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, wrote to the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe to express sorrow on behalf of the Catholic Church in the U.S.A. and to offer prayers for recovery.  Here is the full statement:
 
“It is with profound shock, horror, and sadness that we learn about the devastation and massive loss of life that has occurred in your country due to Cyclone Idai.  The magnitude of the cyclone and the scope of its damage are almost beyond belief.
 
We pray for the hundreds of people who lost their lives in the storm. May they rest in peace and bask in the eternal embrace of our heavenly Father.  We also pray for the family members who survived the devastation and now mourn the loss of their loved ones, and struggle to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.  They face a long road to recovery.  We join them in their mourning.  May they find comfort and solace.  We offer them our prayers and support.
 
As a concrete manifestation of that support, we are pleased to inform you that Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops overseas relief and development agency, immediately set up an emergency relief initiative to collect resources to provide humanitarian aid and begin the longer-term recovery efforts in Mozambique/Malawi/Zimbabwe.  We have full confidence that you will soon see the results of these efforts.
 
CRS and the USCCB remain committed to stand with the Church and the people of Mozambique/Malawi/Zimbabwe in your long road to recovery and increased prosperity.”
 
Donations can be made to Catholic Relief Services.
 
I hope that people will contribute to the relief of the suffering people of these countries who are now threatened with an outbreak of disease.
 
I am going to leave you with a question to consider.  What is the difference between a cyclone, hurricane, and a typhoon?
 
Until next week
Fr. John