Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Bishop of the Diocese of Mindelo, Bishop Ildo Fortes, asked for everyone’s solidarity on Monday, August 11, following the torrential rains that hit São Vicente Island in the early hours of August 11, causing irreparable loss of life, injuries, missing persons, and extensive material damage.
In a social media post, Bishop Ildo Fortes began by expressing his condolences, along with those of the Diocese of Mindelo, Caritas Cabo Verde, and Caritas Diocesana, to the families who lost loved ones in the storm that struck São Vicente Island.
“We want to express our pain, our feelings, our condolences, our closeness, and our human warmth to those who need it most. We are certain that you are a father and will not abandon us,” he emphasized.
In the same post, he said he had the opportunity to meet with those responsible for the Diocesan Caritas, and that they will do their best to assist and help those who are suffering and helpless, without food or clothing, and many are homeless.
“It is the church’s duty in this difficult time to show its warm presence, its love, and its charity,” he assured.
At the same time, he asked for everyone’s solidarity in helping those going through moments of pain. “We also appeal to all those who are nearby, such as neighbors, institutions, and those who can offer their help, which is always welcome. We need to be human, and these times, sometimes difficult, bring us closer and allow us to experience the essence of being human.”
On the other hand, he hopes that all this will serve to teach us that life is full of surprises and that we need to be prepared, organized, and prioritize everything. “The priority is people’s safety and people’s lives.”
The Bishop of Mindelo also called for caution and prevention in situations like these.
“We must always be present and be able to anticipate, call for caution, and prevention in situations like these, of people whose homes are at risk, so that this cannot happen again. Nature is what it is; it can sometimes be dormant, but when least expected, it manifests its strength and presence, and the waters must find their way, and hopefully we can learn from this,” he emphasized.
Cardinal Arlindo Furtado sends letter of solidarity to the Bishop of Mindelo
The Bishop of the Diocese of Santiago, Cardinal Arlindo Furtado, sent a letter of condolence, solidarity, and prayer communion this Tuesday, the 12th, to the Bishop of the Diocese of Mindelo, Ildo Fortes, and to his entire diocesan community.
In the letter, Bishop Arlindo Furtado, on behalf of the entire Diocese of Santiago, expresses his sorrow and consternation over the tragedy, expressing fraternal solidarity with the Bishop, the clergy, the consecrated, the lay faithful, and all the people affected by this calamity.
The prelate assures unity in prayer for the victims, asking the “Lord of Life to welcome the souls of the deceased into his eternal glory, grant consolation and hope to the injured and homeless, and strengthen all those working in the rescue and reconstruction operations.”
In the letter, the Diocese of Santiago also reaffirms its willingness to collaborate in providing spiritual and material support to those most affected, coordinating with the Diocesan Caritas of Mindelo on the best way to provide assistance.
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