A young Salesian called Paul was in Amatrice on the night of the shocks. His grandniece Elisa and both her parents, Paul’s uncle and aunt, were killed in the earthquake. His grandnephew Andrew was saved.
The Salesian Circumscription of Central Italy (ICC) wishes to extend its condolences to Paul and to promise prayers of suffrage for those who have died and prayers for all the victims of the earthquake.
Some years ago ICC was affected by the earthquake in L'Aquila. It immediately set about trying to understand the situation after this new tragedy and to do whatever possible to help.
ICC is monitoring the different situations and the Provincial, Fr Leonardo Mancini, and his main collaborators have examined the situation in a meeting specifically for reflection and study. It is possible that some form of cooperation will be sought from the Salesians at this stage of emergency relief, such as temporary accommodation for individuals or families. ICC is ready to accommodate people where possible in agreement with the civilian agencies in charge of emergency management.
ICC is willing to help later in accordance with their specific educational and pastoral programme. Already they are taking the first steps towards an approach with the two dioceses involved, Rieti and Ascoli Piceno. They will work in solidarity with them as a sign of communion and evangelical and ecclesial fraternity. In this process the local Educative Pastoral Community and the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement will certainly be involved.
