Monday, January 03, 2005
RABBI AMAR MAKES AN UNPOPULAR OBSERVATION
The earthshaking disaster in southeast Asia shows that "G-d is angry" and that "we must pray more and ask for mercy," Rabbi Amar told the Ynet website. "The nations of the world are obligated to observe the seven Noahide laws, such as prohibitions against murder and illicit relations... The deaths are very painful."
CATHOLIC BISHOP ALSO SEES SUNAMI AS A WARNING FROM GOD
Port Blair, Jan 2 : Was the killer tsunami a message from god? A reflection on the way man lives?
Yes, says Bishop Alex Dias of the Stella Morris Cathedral Church, the main Catholic church here.
"I believe that the tsunami is a warning. A warning from god to reflect deeply on the way we lead our lives," said Dais, as he stood among the ragtag tarpaulin tents in the 900-strong relief camp the church is running for tsunami survivors.
STATUE OF VIRGIN MARY SWEPT AWAY BY TSUNAMI, RETURNED UNSCATHED
The Star reports:
Matara - Sri Lankan Catholics in the southern town of Matara have celebrated the return of a statue that disappeared during the Asian tsunami disaster, only to be found days later unscathed. ...
The statue disappeared from its glass casing when the first wave swept across the church grounds as a congregation of around 100 celebrated mass inside on Boxing Day.
The statue was originally found by Sri Lankan fishermen in 1907 but its origin remains unknown.
CATHOLIC RELIEF EFFORTS
The Catholic Church is making large contributions to the rescue efforts:
The Italian bishops' conference has decided to contribute 3 million euros ($4 million) in aid. The Holy Father's humanitarian aid fund, "Cor Unum," has opened a special bank account to receive donations, according to Agence France-Presse.
Meanwhile, the U.S.-based Catholic Relief Services (CRS) announced a commitment of $25 million for emergency relief and long-term rehabilitation programs to assist people across the south and southeast Asia region devastated by the tsunami.
To contribute to CRS tsunami relief efforts, send donations to:
Catholic Relief Services
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, MD 21203-7090
Memo line: Tsunami Emergency
Blogger credit to Spirit Daily.
