MILAN, May 31, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The Catholic Church and families of the world, gathered in Milan for the VII World Meeting of Families, shared in the grief of the recent earthquake that struck the Italian regions of Emilia Romagna and Lombardia on Tuesday.
The Church has, throughout history, participated in the joys and sufferings of its members. That same Church today shares the pain of the families affected by the earthquake, while praying, remembering and helping them. Even when the first earthquake struck, Cardinals Scola and Antonelli, while attending a press conference, expressed their solidarity for those affected.
This afternoon, a donation center was established by ‘Family2012,’ in collaboration with ‘Caritas Ambrosiana,’ to receive donations for the earthquake victims.
‘Caritas Ambrosiana’ has already sent more than 1,500 personal hygiene kits, 4 temporary structures with a capacity of 800 beds, as well as collecting €15,000 of donations.
The Italian Bishops’ Conference announced this morning that they have sent 1 million euros to the relief effort and will take up a national collection at all masses on Sunday, June 10.
On Friday, Eucharistic Adoration will be held in Milan’s Cathedral, led by Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, in the presence of the bishops from the most affected areas: Bishop Roberto Busti, from Mantova, Bishop Antonio Lanfranchi, from Modena, Bishop Paolo Rabitti, from Ferrara and Bishop Francesco Cabina from Carpi. They will also take up a special collection at the event for the earthquake victims.
During the Eucharistic Adoration in Milan’s cathedral on Friday, Bishop Busti, from Mantova, will address the faithful, giving his first-hand witness of the region hardest hit by the earthquake.
Earthquake survivors will also join the Holy Father during the Vigil of Witnesses to be held Saturday evening in Bresso.
The company in charge of catering for the World Meeting of Families has also offered to donate any food left over from the event as well as other products that might be of need.
