The priest tells ACN about his work in these first days after the catastrophe and asks for urgent help.
ACN – Enrique Gonzalez is an Argentine priest of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, who lives in Aleppo, Syria. He attends in his parish dozens of earthquake victims who are afraid to return to their homes and have asked him for help, shelter and comfort. The priest talks to Aid to the Church in Need – ACN, this is the interview:
How is the situation after more than three days after the earthquake?
The situation is still chaotic because day by day the number of people in need who seek help is increasing, who are desperate because of a continuous crisis, because of almost 12 years of war, the economic embargo, the Covid, a recent cholera epidemic and now the earthquake. But both the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church are trying to do all we can for those most affected.
What work are you doing these days?
Many people have gone to their villages because of the fear of aftershocks and the danger of more buildings collapsing. Others have taken to the streets, to open places. Others have sought refuge in the parishes, in parish halls. We have taken in 80 people in the Latin bishopric, where we live. We give them food, blankets, medicine, whatever they need, and we are also taking care of their spiritual needs, we have celebrated Mass together. Now there is a lot of uncertainty, because they don’t know what is going to happen to their houses, so we have to see day by day, making decisions according to the new needs that are coming.
How would you describe the moment when the earthquake started?
I was alone in my apartment in the bishopric. I woke up because of the noise my closet doors were making. So I grabbed some clothes and got under a column and looked for a solid part of the house. At the same time I was getting dressed because I sensed that it was going to be a busy time, going out to look for possible victims. Then, I heard the building structure creaking, I thought it was the end and I prayed to the Immaculate Conception.
What would be the most important needs at this time?
Here we need hygiene material, food, powdered milk for the children, medicine, blankets, etc. Then it is essential to have heating, fuel, which is very difficult to get. And of course we have to find a way to repair the houses of these people, so that they can return to their homes soon.
What word can you say to these people you are supporting?
There is something strange and uplifting at the same time. The expression of the people in general, the first thing that comes out of their mouths is: «Thank God we are still alive». They are thankful for what little they have left. In spite of the catastrophe, we do not see a depressed atmosphere. There is an atmosphere of gratitude, of concern, but of gratitude that they are still alive. This is something surprising, something supernatural.
What message do you want to convey to the benefactors of ACN?
Please pray for the victims of this earthquake in Turkey and Syria. To help in whatever way they can. And may they too thank God for what they have, may we complain less, and see how fortunate we are that we can share with others.