JAPAN: Catholic Bishops express Solidarity with Quake Victims

JOHANNESBURG, March 18, 2011 (CISA) – The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Catholic Community of Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland have sent a message of solidarity to the  people of Japan following the developing crisis in that country.

They wrote to the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan, Archbishop Peter Takeo Okada, Archbishop of Tokyo on March 15 saying, “We have watched the developing crisis in Japan with sadness, shock and horror.”

A message signed by Archbishop Buti Tlhagale OMI, Archbishop of Johannesburg and President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference said, “On behalf of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Catholic Community of Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland, I wish to assure you of our prayerful solidarity.”

The message reiterated, “Many of us feel the enormity of the task ahead and the helplessness of the millions affected by the recent natural disasters. We wish to assure you that we stand with you, with the bishops and Catholic community in Japan and with all the people of Japan.”

“We hope by our small contribution of prayer and solidarity, the feeling of helplessness may not turn to a feeling of hopelessness,” the bishops said.

The bishops pledged to continue praying for Japan’s church and country during Lent.