am writing this letter from Italy, specifically from Sardinia Island. While on vacation in Italy, I've heard about the earthquake that affected Sumatra Island, and in particular the Mentawai Islands, severely damaging some of the buildings that the Xaverians built in the past 50 years. Through the media and sketchy news from one of our fathers In Padang, Indonesia, I've learned that some of the churches, mosques, schools and asramas (student housing) have been affected by the earthquake. Thank God, there were few reported deaths or injuries, and none among our fathers, Xaverian students and sisters.
Our provincial house in Padang, Sumatra Island, has been spared, but the nearby Catholic hospital and nurses' house have been damaged, so all the patients have been temporarily sheltered in tents. The rescue efforts for the people in the Mentawai islands have been hampered by high waves and also by the lack of an adequate number of ships: they had only four wooden low tonnage boats.
I'm sure the fathers and sisters are coping in the best way they can. In the largest parish we have two young fathers, former novices of mine, who are in charge of the mission. I know them quite well and I know they will face up to the situation in the best way they can. Faith will be our strength and all of us Xaverians in Indonesia will have to pool all our efforts and come to their help and the people they are caring for.
As for me I'm resting and so getting ready to go back to work in St Mathew the Evangelist parish in Jakarta. As soon as I go back I'll be preaching a fund appeal in a large parish asking for help for the building of the new parish church, which in a few months time will become our daughter parish.
Every year the Archdiocese has 7,000 baptisms of adults and so the number of churches needed is also increasing
The building is for 1,200 people sitting on the third floor, the second floor will be the hall and the ground floor for the clinic and parking lot. The Cardinal has been instructing us to build big because the parishes are fast increasing in number and size. Every year the Archdiocese has 7,000 baptisms of adults and so the number of churches needed is also increasing.
Thank God, with the new guidelines we have an easier way of obtaining building permits so this year the bishop has already blessed a good number of new churches. You might ask: where does all that money come from? It’s simple: from our treasurer, God, and I am not kidding. Through the generosity of many well to do parishioners and also friends from overseas God's houses are being built and they are beautiful and functional.
(From Xaverian News)