Fr.
Claudio Bertuccio, Superior of the Delegation of Thailand, sent an e-mail on
November 5, 2011, updating us on the situation of the Oblates around Bangkok.
Just a small
update to let you know that now almost all our houses in Bangkok area are
flooded. About 5 days ago, our parish in the city was flooded. Water is about
50 cm deep. The hospitality nearby house for migrants, run by the Oblates, was
also flooded at the same time. From these two places, the Oblates try to offer
some help with the limited resources we can find. Bags with food and drinking
water are distributed to those who have nothing left. They use a small boat to
deliver it to the people.
Last night our
juniorate was flooded. Water is now about 1 meter high in the garden and in the
buildings, about 70cm. Their telephone lines and internet are cut off, but they
still have electricity upstairs. We communicate through cell phones. Water has
almost reached also our prenovitiate. We expect it to be flooded by tomorrow. I
am still isolated since last October 19, but thanks be to God, water has
started receding. During last week, it lowered about 10cm. There are still
150cm more to go.
We try to do
what we can to help the people around us, but now we share in their same situation:
we no longer have a dry home to stay in or a place to welcome the victims of
the flood. Even if we cannot do much, at least we can be witnesses to hope in
this terrible disaster. Easter is a mystery of suffering, death and
resurrection. According to the official news, we will have to bear this
situation at least for one more month. Please continue praying for us
