The earthquake that took the lives of more than 450 people in Chile on February 27th has caused unprecedented damage to churches -- a significant part of the country’s cultural patrimony. In some dioceses, such as Talca, Linares, Chillán, Los Angeles and Concepción, it is estimated that 80% of the churches have been permanently ruined. In the bishopric of Rancagua, 65 parish churches and 700 chapels have been destroyed. In the diocese of San Bernardo, images of which you are now seeing, the destruction has also been devastating. However, a report from specialists indicates that most churches can be restored, a task that nonetheless entails enormous expenses. In response to Benedict XVI’s appeal to solidarity with Chile, Aid to the Church in Need has launched a campaign in the country called “Emergency Chapels: There is no new Chile without Christ”. In this manner, Chilean communities that currently are deprived of their places of worship will have the chance to celebrate Easter in a true “house of God”.http://www.obispadodesanbernardo.cl

The earthquake that took the lives of more than 450 people in Chile on February 27th has caused unprecedented damage to churches -- a significant part of the country’s cultural patrimony. In some...leggi tutto