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From Xaverian Mission Newsletter, by Fr. Mike De Rocha, s.x.May, 2011
Japan - Hope for the Future, Fr. Mike
The Catholic Church in Japan rushed to support victims of the earthquake and
tsunami with prayer, solidarity and practical aid. Japanese bishops established
an emergency center to coordinate humanitarian aid operations in Sendai, the
area most devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. The center is
managed by Caritas Japan and draws on the resources of numerous Catholic
volunteers who have come forward in the wake of the disaster.
“The biggest buildings withstood the very strong earthquake. The greatest damage
was caused by the tsunami. The panorama of destruction is striking. Now we'll
have to roll up our shirtsleeves. People are expecting our help,” said Fr.
Daisuke Narui, executive director of Caritas Japan. “The biggest concern is the
nuclear power plant in Fukushima. It is a ghost from Japanese history coming
back to haunt us. But it must be said that the people are not indulging in
panic; instead, they are reacting with poise and dignity.”
He said, “in the worst-affected areas the main problem is the lack of food and
fuel. People are left feeling powerless in the face of this tragedy.” Fr. Narui
said: “Our work is to show love and solidarity especially to the people most
vulnerable, such as the elderly, migrants and homeless. We are working with
NGOs. We are called to give a testimony to unity and closeness to all human
suffering. We know that the response by the faithful to our appeal will be very
generous. It is a terrible disaster, one of the worst in the country's history.
In the northern area most affected, there are already more than 7,000 recorded
deaths, hundreds of casualties and internally displaced persons.”
Fr. Narui said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of Japanese youth offering to
help the displaced. "Young people are continually coming to Caritas from all the
dioceses to offer their availability as volunteers to bring aid to the areas
most affected by the disaster. This is an important sign that gives us hope for
the future."
