Mexican Bishops express solidarity with hospital flood victims
By Devin Watkins
Heavy rains hit parts of central Mexico early Tuesday morning, with the worst-affected area centered on the city of Tula, which lies 100 kilometers north of Mexico City.
Flood waters rushed into a public hospital, resulting in the deaths of 16 patients. The national Social Security Institute said the victims likely died after oxygen equipment ceased to function as the power went out.
Tula鈥檚 central market was completely flooded, along with dozens of residential homes.
Turn to God in our pain
In response to the disaster, Bishops in Hidalgo State sent their condolences to the victims鈥� families on Wednesday.
Bishop Juan Pedro Juárez Melendez of Tula said the Church is praying for those affected by the flooding, and encouraged them to turn to God in their pain, 鈥渟ince we know that He never leaves nor abandons us.鈥�
God, he added, 鈥渁lways cares about what happens to us.鈥�
Opportunity for cheerful giving
At the same time, the Bishops have organized a collection of household items to assist people whose homes have been flooded, and called on local Catholics to donate generously.
They are urging the faithful to give items such as blankets, mattresses, and household cleaning supplies like soap, bleach, brooms, buckets, and shovels.
鈥淥ur brothers and sisters need our help!鈥� said Archbishop Domingo Diaz Martinez of Tulancingo. 鈥淣ever forget that Sacred Scripture says 鈥楪od loves a cheerful giver鈥�. We have an opportunity to receive God鈥檚 blessing鈥� Be generous!鈥�
The Bishops of Hidalgo state also called on civil authorities and corporations to band together to help those in need.
Painfully complex situation
Bishops in the neighboring Ecatepec municipality, which lies in the State of Mexico, also expressed their solidarity with the victims of Tuesday鈥檚 floods.
In the face of the 鈥減ainful complexity鈥� of the situation, the Bishops urge people to remain united in 鈥渙ur faith which comforts鈥�, 鈥渉ope which lightens the load鈥�, and 鈥渃harity which moves us to solidarity鈥�.
Mexican Bishops have also called for special days of prayer this Thursday and Sunday for the flood victims and all those affected.
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