IN THIS ISSUE

Poem

From the desk of
Fr. Louis Studer, O.M.I.

Fr. Lou's Mailbag

Rebuilding
Shattered Hopes

Oblate Profile

Oblate Crossings

Mother’s Day at the National Shrine
of Our Lady of
the Snows

Oblate Ministries in
East St. Louis, IL

Finding God in
Ordinary Things

Healing and Hope Profile

A Story of Faith

Donor Profile


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Rebuilding
Shattered Hopes
In The Aftermath
Of The Tsunami

The deadly waves of the tsunami have come and gone leaving mass destruction and devastation throughout the coasts of countries in Southeast Asia. Now, the same noble Oblate priests and brothers who have been ministering in Southeast Asia for over 150 years, are at the forefront of the devastation.

Currently, over 400 Oblates are offering immediate aid to thousands throughout Southern Asia and are dedicated to rebuilding the shattered hopes of those they serve.

From Sri Lanka...
 Sri Lanka, the Oblates have opened the doors to shelter thousands whose homes and loved ones were dragged away by the raging waters of the sea. In addition to providing vital materials to thousands, the Oblates are providing shelter for 2,000 people in the Provincial House and 1,500 more at the St. Vincent’s Orphanage.

The Oblates have also developed a long term plan to care for orphans, rebuild homes and churches, and revitalize the country.

“As never before, Sri Lanka suffers the loss of life and property. People and their habitats were engulfed within minutes. The Tsunami waves have come and gone, but the permanent damage done by this natural catastrophe is unfathomable.”
–Fr. Oswald Firth, O.M.I., Sri Lanka

From India...
In India, the Oblates are living with the homeless in makeshift camps, offering food, clean water, clothes, medicine, and doing whatever they can to ease their suffering. In addition, the Oblates are reaching out to hundreds of newly orphaned children.

“Nothing remained. No sign of the house, no people, no trace of any living thing …In many families there is no one alive to cry for the others…Pray for us. And if it is possible, please help us to help others. The need is enormous to show the mercy of God to reach the unfortunate people.”
-Fr. J. E. Arul Raj, O.M.I., India

From Thailand...
In Thailand, the Oblates report that the country is still in shock but that they are dedicated to fostering hope in these suffering people so that they can rebuild their lives.

“This wave, which left a sea of pain, also created a great solidarity. The needs are countless: people who lost their houses have no shelter; there are no materials for rebuilding; drinking water is lacking.”
-Fr. Domenico Rodighiero, O.M.I., Thailand
       
 
  In the tragic aftermath of the tsunami, the road ahead will be a long and difficult journey for the Oblates and all of the people of Southern Asia. And when the headlines have been forgotten and earthquakes under the sea become a distant memory, the Oblates will still be there-dedicating their lives to serving the poor in Southern Asia, just as they have for the past 150 years.