Mexican earthquake: Bishops appeal for support and prayers
The Bishops of Mexico have appealed for support and prayers after their country was rocked by a massive, 7.1 earthquake yesterday.
A message signed by the President and by the Secretary General of the Mexican Episcopal Conference, says: “We are united in grief for the victims of the earthquake, which occurred on September 19, 2017, in different parts of our country, mainly in the states of Morelos, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico and the City of Mexico,”
“Once again, we are witnessing the solidarity of the people of Mexico, who see their brother in the one who suffers.”
“Thousands of hands have formed chains of life, to rescue, feed” or add whatever they can in the face of the emergency, the bishops say.
Tuesday’s earthquake comes in the wake of a devastating 8.2 magnitude quake that struck Mexico on 7 September, and the Bishops say “Today, more than ever, we invite God’s people to unite in solidarity for our brothers who are suffering the different calamities that have plagued our country.”
They also say the General Secretariat of the Mexican Bishops Conference is coordinating with different Church organizations to offer assistance to victims and survivors.
The Bishops conclude asking for the comfort of Our Lady of Guadalupe, so that “through her intercession She may help us and strengthen us, in the reconstruction of our country.”
The message is signed by Archbishop José Francisco Robles Ortega, President of the Mexican Bishops’ Conference and by the Secretary General, Bishop Alfonso G Miranda Guardiola.
Pope Francis at his weekly General Audience on Wednesday expressed his closeness to the people of Mexico. He said:
"Here among you (in St Peter’s Square), there are many Mexicans; the earthquake has caused casualties and material damage and in this moment of pain I express my closeness to the whole Mexican population."
He continued, “I ask Almighty God to welcome all those who lost their lives," and he also remembered the rescue workers involved in helping those affected.
Finally, the Holy Father, again invoked Our Lady of Guadalupe, so dear to the Mexican nation.