Monday, November 19, 2007

Cyclone Hits Papua New Guinea

November 16 a cyclone hit Papua New Guinea, where we have a large number of members of the Society of St. Francis. The Brothers live in Port Moresby and throughout the Oro Province and the Morobe Province. Hardest hit was Popondetta, where we have a large friary, St. Mary of the Angels Friary. Over 70 people have been reported dead and all bridges have been wiped out. No brothers were harmed, but their gardens were completely destroyed. Calling Br. Lucas in Port Moresby from London this morning I learned that the brothers are planning a meeting tomorrow to discuss their response to their predicament and how best to help their neighbors who are suffering very much.

We are planning to send help to the brothers, and to continue to hold them in our prayers. Please pray for them, others suffering in Papua New Guinea and in Bangladesh from the impact of this storm.

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