n Padang Indonesia, the “natural” epicenter of a 7.6 Richter scale earthquake in the evening of Sept. 30, because of its location on the ring of fire, the situation is desperate.

Fr Fernando Abis, recalls how a “school collapsed with 50 students inside. Rubbles are obstacles to rescue operations, and heavy-duty equipment is unable to remove them. A hotel collapsed with two convention halls full of people… At least 200 people are still missing… Muslims and Christians are helping the victims without distinctions. Everyone is trying to take in the homeless who are now without a roof. The hospital built by the Catholic Church was severely damaged, but continues to function, working overtime. Despite difficulties, we are trying to meet every demand. Half of the doctors are Catholic, the other half, Muslim. We are all working side by side to help the population. The facility is run by father Laruffa who, despite his age (80) and bypass surgery, is working tirelessly to receive the injured. The Church is not only dealing with emergency situation; it is already planning for the future, for the reconstruction, when people will go back to normal life. We are looking for tents that can hold 20 people to continue school for the kids. About 30 per cent of residents have lost their homes and in a few days food supplies will run out, but the government’s reaction was immediate.” Fr. Fernando Abis

Please consider sending your gift offerings to the following addresses, and we will in turn pass it along to them (100% of the donations).  Please make checks payable to Xaverian Missionaries, with Memo: Indonesia Earthquake.  Thank You for your support.

Xaverian Provincial House  12 Helene Court  Wayne, NJ 07470  (973) 942-2975  Xaverian Mission Center 101 Summer St. P. O. Box 5857 Holliston, MA 01746 (508) 429-2144

Xaverian Mission Office 4500 Xavier Dr. Franklin, WI 53132 (414) 421-0831 Credit Cards are accepted at this office