Province News

Peruvian Provincial Ernesto Cavassa, SJ, sends update and requests prayers and supplies in the wake of fire disaster in Lima
Thursday, January 03, 2002

Nearly 300 people died in a tragic fire that started around 8:00 PM on Saturday, December 29, in a historic district of Lima only blocks from the capital. According to CNN reports The fire burned for four hours, destroying scores of buildings and taking the lives of at least 287 people. Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo declared Sunday and Monday national days of mourning. Fr. Ernesto Cavassa, SJ, sent the following update and request for prayers from Lima.

Fr. Baumann:

Thank you very much for your message of support and sympathy. Unfortunately this was something that was bound to happen. The whole area was a powder keg, filled with explosive materials being prepared for the holiday sales. It wasn't the first time it happened either. Two years ago there was a similar situation although of far less impact.

After all is said and done, it is really the result of impoverishment, unemployment, and the negligence and disorder among the authorities. It is a disaster that could have been avoided and as always, affects most seriously those who are the poorest.

As of right now, the hospitals cannot take care of the wounded. There is a shortage of everything. Yesterday, the Episcopal Conference asked us to send any and all types of first aid to the state hospitals to take care of the wounded. I asked Sixto to give whatever we could and to buy whatever emergency supplies he could find. This is the hard reality of our countries. And this tragedy has done nothing but bring to mind yet again our sad reality.

There were no Jesuits, nor any religious sisters or brothers who personally suffered from the disaster. We are helping the families of the victims with pastoral aid and emotional support. The stories are terrible. People are unable to recognize their loved ones. Anyway, all of you there have had to endure something similar in the events of September 11 and you'll certainly understand our situation in light of that. Many here will simply always remain among the missing.

Thank you again, for your support and solidarity. Please give my best to our friends there in the province and thank them for us for all their support.

Ernesto Cavassa, SJ