"Help Them to Stand Again"

And so, church, with Tuesday's quake in Haiti dominating the news-cycle, "your help urgently needed" in this weekend's second collection nationwide and, indeed, "calling for every human being who has a human heart to pray, and to help them to stand again," we'd be remiss to not pass along the following memento, circulated by the Apostleship of Prayer:

God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us. In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us. Be with us as we stand in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti. Be with us in our mourning and guide our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice. With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice. Amen.

For the Haitian people, that help comes to them quickly and comfort comes to those who hurt. Lord, hear our prayer.

For the lost or buried, that they are found and reunited with their loved ones. Lord, hear our prayer.

For the relief workers, that they have the tools they need, the courage and the strength to respond fully. Lord, hear our prayer.

For the families in Haiti and in the United States who are waiting to hear from loved one, that good news comes to them. Lord, hear our prayer.

For those whose who have perished, may their souls rest with you, O Lord, where they will find eternal love. Amen.

And from the diaspora in Miami's Little Haiti, the community's intercessions:

-We are praying for hope despite this situation, that even as we face darkness, people may see a pinpoint of light.
-Praying for families.
-Pray for a greater conscience among everyone not just in Haiti but all over that we must do something [to help].
-Pray for a spirit of thanksgiving for international agencies for their good heart and good faith.
-Pray for relief workers to have a spirit of patience and perseverance.
-For those who at this time are in search of meaning in their lives and peace.

Lord, hear our prayer.

On a caritas note, in a statement yesterday, the Holy See disclosed that the US church's own Catholic Relief Services had been entrusted with coordinating "this stage" of the worldwide communion's response.

PHOTO: Reuters

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