Here love refuses to die, says Cardinal Toppo
New Delhi (AsiaNews) "On the faces of tsunami survivors hope shines brightly as the morning light," said Card Telesphore Toppo, chairman of the Bishops' Conference of India after visiting some of the most tsunami-affected areas in Tamil Nadu and Kerala (southern India).
The Cardinal's visit began on January 27 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu's capital; its purpose: bring the message of God's love to survivors. "It is at moments like these," he said, "that we draw strength and consolation from Christ".
Speaking to AsiaNews, Cardinal Toppo spoke of the pain and devastation but also of the love and charity he found among survivors and aid workers.
The prelate's impression is that "in spite of the widespread devastation [. . .] love in these people refuses to die" thanks in part to the "ongoing help brought by volunteers" who are still arriving in the affected areas.
He refutes those who speak of cynicism among the victims and states "that those with eyes can see God's mercies". Moreover, "what is remarkable is the global solidarity abroad and among the survivors of the tragedy irrespective of caste or creed".
The tsunami was non discriminatory, and so is the aid which is reaching everyone, Christians, Muslims and Hindus alike, for, as the Cardinal puts it, "they are supporting and assisting each other in their moments of grief".
Given how much international relief aid has arrives in south-east Asia, cardinal Toppo said that "this sort of behaviour should happen in normal times too. We are all brothers and sisters [and] shouldn't have to wait for tragedies. [. . .] There are people always in need of help".
Although the Cardinal is satisfied with the work done by Catholic organisations involved in relief operations he noted that "progress can never be enough".
In his opinion, the focus now must shift to long-term projects. "While [other] aid agencies may provide immediate relief, the Church through its own aid agencies is looking towards some long-term resolution. There is still a lot to do and we must touch people's heart to ease their pain" and give them the strength they need to live.
Christians must be encouraged, he insists, to "become channels of peace and love."
"There is no time to weep," he said. "We need to be positive in faith despite its rude treatment by an event such as the tsunami".
During his trip, the Cardinal made a stopover at Vailankanni shrine in Tamil Nadu where he presided over a multi-faith meeting. This gave him the opportunity to encourage mutual solidarity among the different communities of the area and to remind those who met that "we might have secondary differences but we are substantially one family".
During his stay, Cardinal Toppo was also able to meet a local Hindu leader, Kundrakudi Poonambal Aditala, who said "we must follow the example of Mother Teresa in binging love, faith and relief to tsunami survivors".
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