Letter
Letter to Catholic Bishop's Conference President Cardinal Hardjoatmodjo After Eathquake, December 1, 2022
December 1, 2022
His Eminence Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo
Archbishop of Jakarta
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia
Keuskupan Agung, Jl. Katedral 7
Jakarta 10710, Indonesia
Your Eminence,
Late last month, international news brought word of the major earthquake that struck Java with tragic consequences for people, their homes and communities, and livelihoods. I was disheartened to learn so many have lost their lives, including children, and untold others injured. The images of the destruction and suffering are all reminders of the fragility of this life.
As Chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I and my brother bishops offer our prayers for Indonesia and for the Church in this difficult time. I understand Catholic Relief Services (CRS), working with local authorities and partners in Indonesia, has identified critical requirements and is helping to provide access to emergency shelter, water, food, and hygiene supplies to those most in need. With the start of the monsoon season, CRS is working to identify more funding for immediate requests for humanitarian aid. I commend them to you, recognizing the importance of your conference’s insights and their desire to serve the local Church.
We join with Pope Francis who shared his closeness to the suffering of the Indonesian people during his General Audience on November 22, “In the past few hours, the island of Java in Indonesia was hit by a strong earthquake. I express my nearness to that dear population and I pray for the dead and the injured.”
As the season of Advent is upon us, may His coming be the hope of the people of Indonesia.
With prayerful best wishes I am
Sincerely yours,
Most Reverend David J. Malloy
Bishop of Rockford
Chairman, Committee on International Justice and Peace