Maryland Province responds to Chile earthquake

TO THE MEN OF THE MARYLAND PROVINCE
2 March 2010

Brothers,

Late yesterday we received a report from Chilean Provincial, Eugenio Valenzuela, S.J., about the situation of
our brother Jesuits and our works in Chile. The major points are the following:

There were no Jesuit deaths or injuries and to date there is no news of Jesuit family members, close colleagues or students who have died.

The area around Concepción still has very poor communication, so information from there is still sketchy.

Hogar de Cristo is working with the National Emergency Office (Their FEMA) in the collection of food, blankets, diapers and charcoal throughout the country.

Un Techo para Chile (“A Roof for Chile”), in coordination with the Colegios, Christian Life Communties, the Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Infocap (The University of the Worker) is working with volunteers to clear rubble, accompany those affected by home loss, reconstruction of houses and probably the raising of “mediaguas,” very simple one room houses of plywood.

Practically all of the Jesuit houses and schools have suffered some damage, ranging from minor plaster and stucco damage, loss of computer equipment and church appointments to major infrastructural damage to some buildings.

Many have asked us how they might contribute to the relief work of the Society and its works there. The Maryland Province can accept funds and channel them directly to Chile through the Chilean Province.

Gifts in support of the Chile earthquake victims may be directed to the Maryland Province Jesuits; attention “Chile Relief Fund.”

Please make checks payable to “Maryland Province Jesuits Fund” and mail them to:

Maryland Province Jesuits Fund
P.O. Box 64818 Baltimore, MD 21264
Write the notation “Chile Relief Fund” on your check.

Contributions also can be made on-line at the Maryland Province website www.mdsj.org. Click on “Chile Relief Fund” (upper right of the Home Page).

Please feel free to share this Chile update as you see fit.
Fraternally in the Lord,

James M. Shea, S.J.
Provincial