Abbey-Roads2

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.