Bishop urges prayer for China earthquake victims

SAGINAW – Bishop Robert J. Carlson today urged all people of faith to continue to pray for the victims of the devastating earthquake in China.

“May God comfort those who have lost loved ones, and in a special way, the grieving parents who have lost their children,” he said. “We also pray for the emergency aid workers. May they be strengthened and comforted by the Lord’s grace as they continue the difficult work that is still ahead of them.”

At this time, the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw is unable to accept any monetary donations for relief efforts in China. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has offered its assistance to the Chinese government. However, Chinese officials have declined emergency relief from CRS and several other organizations.

CRS is the official international relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

International press organizations report more than 40,000 people have died as a result last week’s 7.9-magnitude earthquake that rocked China. More than 245,000 have been reported injured and hundreds of communities were destroyed.