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Hurricane Maria: Jesuits in Puerto Rico Respond

BY ISN STAFF | September 22, 2017

Colegio San Ignacio after Hurricane Maria

On Wednesday, September 19, Hurricane Maria wrought destruction on the island of Puerto Rico, part of the USA Central and Southern Jesuit province, and home of two Jesuit parishes and two Jesuit schools. The storm caused significant damage to Colegio San Ignacio, the Jesuit secondary school in San Juan. The Jesuits, faculty, and staff are safe. However, communication from the island remains limited, so news on school families and members of the parish is limited.

Below is a message in both Spanish and English from Fr. Flavio Bravo, S.J., Jesuit Superior of the Puerto Rico Community, written on Tuesday, Sept. 20, as the winds and rain finally began to die down.

It is anticipated that parish and school families will have significant needs. The province is accepting financial contributions to help the Jesuit parish and school communities. To help, please visit “Donate for Hurricane Relief.

Statement from Fr. Flavio Bravo, S.J., Jesuit Superior of the Puerto Rican community:

Al final de este día quisiera compartir la cruz que corona la capilla del Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola. Esta cruz nos recibe diariamente y es el reto que nos acerca a Cristo, especialmente al Cristo que sufre en estos momentos. Esta cruz nos invita a seguirle con generosidad y agradecimiento. Esta cruz es el estandarte que fortalece nuestra fe y hace mas noble nuestro peregrinar ignaciano.

Unidos en oración por toda nuestra comunidad ignaciana, agradecemos a nuestros hermanos y amigos ignacianos del mundo que nos han acompañado en oración y solidaridad durante el huracán María.

Pidamos especialmente por aquellos que han sufrido daños graves y han perdido todo en el huracán. Oremos especialmente por nuestro Borinquén y amado Puerto Rico.

At the end of this day (Wednesday, 9/20), I would like to share the cross that crowns the chapel of Colegio of San Ignacio de Loyola. This cross welcomes us daily, and it is the challenge that brings us closer to Christ, especially the Christ who suffers at this moment. This cross invites us to follow Him with generosity and gratitude. This cross is the standard that strengthens our faith and makes our Ignatian pilgrimage noble in the midst of suffering.

Let us remain united in prayer as we begin to rebuild and strengthen our Puerto Rico and the Ignatian community. Let us be thankful to our Ignatian brothers, sisters and friends of the world who have accompanied us in prayer and solidarity during Hurricane Maria.

Let us pray especially for those who have suffered severe damage and lost everything in the hurricane. Especially, let us lift up our Borinquén and beloved Puerto Rico in prayer.

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