Catholic Relief Services Assists Italy's Earthquake Victims

CRS, as part of the Caritas network, has received donations from concerned Catholics throughout the United States which will be used for earthquake victims through our partner Caritas Italiana.

BALTIMORE, MD (Catholic Relief Services) - CSR mourns the death of hundreds of earthquake victims in L'Aquila, Italy, and stands in solidarity with our sister organization Caritas Italiana as they work to respond to the deadly 6.3 magnitude quake which struck L'Aquila at 3:30am on April 6

As of this morning, 250 people are confirmed dead, over 1,000 people were injured and over 17,000 people have been left homeless. Search and rescue efforts are still underway. The local Caritas office in L'Aquila and the bishop's house were destroyed in the quake, in addition to 30 of the 120 parishes in the affected area.

Caritas Italiana has set up a response center in Pettino, a town near L'Aquila, to coordinate relief efforts and collect and redistribute food, blankets, hygiene items and clothes. In addition, eight tent camps have been erected around the earthquake zone where the displaced are receiving moral and psychological support from both psychologists and Caritas volunteers.

Pope Benedict sent a telegram to the Archbishop of L'Aquila expressing his solidarity with the victims of the disaster. In the telegram, the Pope expressed his sincere condolences and asked the Lord to bring the victims comfort.

Caritas members from near and far have offered their solidarity and support as rescue efforts continue.

CRS, as part of the Caritas network, has received donations from concerned Catholics throughout the United States which will be used for earthquake victims through our partner Caritas Italiana.

"CRS continues to pray for the people of L'Aquila and the surrounding areas who have been affected by this tragic event," said CRS President Ken Hackett. "We are one human family, and it is at times like these when we must all come together to support one another."

CRS and Caritas Italiana are members of Caritas International, a group of 162 organizations worldwide which constitute the largest network of Catholic charities in the world devoted to poverty reduction and social justice. In Italy, Caritas Italiana works through 220 diocesan centers to promote family values, the development of young people, and services for the disadvantaged.

How to Help:
Donate via phone:1-877-HELP-CRS
Donate online:www.crs.org
Write a check:Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090
Please write "Italy Earthquake Emergency" in the memo portion

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Reprinted by Catholic Online with permission of Catholic Relief Services (www.crs.org)