(DePaul University/Jamie Moncrief)
Since Monday, we at DePaul have followed with deep sorrow the news of the growing number of victims and the mounting estimation of destruction caused by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. In these moments of horrifying tragedy, we lift up prayers for all the communities affected and express our communal solidarity with Turkish and Syrian members of our own community.
As DePaul unites with all those suffering, we invite our community to consider connecting with one of the many organizations that are urgently providing direct assistance to victims of this massive natural disaster, one whose impact is greatly exacerbated by weather, barriers to travel and political and socioeconomic unrest.
For those seeking such an organization, choices include
Catholic Relief Services, who is working with local partners to support victims in Turkey and Syria, and the
Turkish American Cultural Alliance, which is collecting in-kind as well as monetary donations. Both organizations are clearly aware that this will not be a short campaign and that different stages of support and different resources will be needed over time.
Our prayers are with all those suffering and with the ones organizing chains of solidarity and compassion to support the victims.
Fr. Memo Campuzano, C.M., is vice president for Mission and Ministry.