Posted by Terry Nelson on Aug 20th, 2007
“Pray, pray very much.”
The flooding in southern Minnesota is much bigger than I first thought. Last Saturday night flash floods washed away homes in waters that were like lava flows from a volcano. Massive sections of earth and bridges have been swept away - in some cases it’s as if huge chasms had been created by an earthquake. Cumulative damage puts this on the same scale as an earthquake, hurricane, or tornado. The mud flows, though on a much smaller scale, kind of remind me of what happened when Mt. St. Helen’s erupted several years ago. (I’m not trying to sensationalize this, but it helps to use these comparisons to understand the scope of the disaster.)
The I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis, which was a localized, confined event, pales compared to this. Pray for all the residents affected by this tragedy. I think Sanctus Belle (who lives in the area) is still in Montreal - I hope her home is okay.
Posted by Terry Nelson on Aug 20th, 2007
Eric is looking for honest, down to earth Catholic blogs where they don’t hide their faults and foibles like most of us do. What a refreshing concept - huh? I told him my blogs are like this, but it’s all in code - in other words, only the most astute and careful reader knows what an absolute jerk I really am… well, some people might disagree with that.
In Scheske’s combox I found a fun blog, June Cleaver After A Six-Pack - I loved the title. I first thought it referred to Mrs. Cleaver going out to get a six-pack, then I realized it more likely refers to what she has to say after she drank the six-pack. At any rate - it’s a fun site.
Posted by Terry Nelson on Aug 20th, 2007
Faith amidst disaster.
The huge quake that hit Peru last week on the Feast of the Assumption, has received less news coverage than the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis a few weeks ago. (Very few bloggers seemed to have taken note, although I’m certain everyone is aware of the events. Rorate Caeli does have a good post on the disaster with an address on where to send aid.) In contrast, yesterday there was morning long coverage, as well as late-night news-special-reports on all channels, concerning the weekend floods in southern Minnesota which killed between 6 and 12 people. This is to be expected of course - especially considering the severity of the flooding.* Nevertheless it is interesting how easy it is to gloss over major disasters in other parts of the world which do not have an immediate impact upon us.
The above photo shows the crucifix which survived the 8.0 quake which collapsed the roof into the Church of San Clemente, killing at least 150 worshippers. Peruvians have since venerated the crucifix, now a sign of hope and survival for the devastated population.
“Desperate and ragged residents, most of them hungry people who haven’t slept under a roof since the quake, thronged around the Christ statue in amazement as it was carried in procession into the square by half a dozen men in hard hats and masks.
The survival of the religious figures gave people hope and something to celebrate in their desolation in this predominantly Catholic country.
“The Lord is present here with us, along with the saints, it’s a miracle they weren’t destroyed,” said Amelia Ugaz de Aria, 69, whose home was flattened by the earthquake.”- Stuff.co.nz
*Note: Local blogger Sanctus Belle of Our Lady’s Tears is from the area devastated by this weekend’s flash floods, so keep her - and all of the people there - in your prayers.
