CTF-USA (SOS DRS)
Cholera 18 – Josh reporting from the Field
SOS DRS and Cholera - Cholera 1-18
Josh Kent, a university student from New York, who heard about the work of SOS DRS when I was making a fundraising appeal in Syracuse, New York last summer at St. Ann’s Parish, is our newest volunteer in Haiti.
Josh actually came primarily to teach English to Haitians and foreign volunteers and to integrate in to our community in Port au Prince. But because i wanted him to have a taste of the mission before beginning his work as an ESL teacher, i sent him to Grand Anse to help with the cholera work – almost immediately after his arrival. Josh went with our other new volunteer, Dr. Ed Glavey – a critical care surgeon from Florida. More about Dr. Ed later.
Josh has become an important part of the team assisting Dr. Ed with cholera care; helping SO DRS maintain its inventory; sending reports from the field; helping with other logistics issues. And he has even shown a desire to learn Kreyol, something which makes me happy. It is a beautiful language, and Kreyol will come in handy as Josh plans to spend six months in Haiti, which will be a blessing for us and hopefully a grace-filled experience for Josh.
Here is a brief report and some pictures sent by Josh.
Father Scott,
Activities Update – August 2010 – CTF-SOS DRS
August 1 - Members of CTF-SOS DRS will be making fundraising appeals and promoting the mission of the organization at parishes in the the Dioceses of Trenton, Stockton, and San Diego and the Archdiocese of Newark.
August 4 – John Tanyi returns to Nairobi after more than 2 months of service in Haiti.
August 8 - Members of CTF-SOS DRS will be making fundraising appeals and promoting the mission of the organization at parishes in the Archdioceses of Detroit and Newark and the Diocese of Trenton.
New - August 9 - Anticipated arrival in Haiti of members of Light of the World to discuss possible collaboration in medical/surgical work. August 9-12.
August 15 - Anticipated arrival in the US at SOS DRS Headquarters of Marco Iazzolino, a member of CTF Central. Marco will stay for 1 month and help with the mission in the US while continuing his CTF Central activities.
August 15 - Members of CTF-SOS DRS will be making fundraising appeals and promoting the mission of the organization at parishes in the Archdioceses of Detroit and the Dioceses of New Ulm and Lafayette.
August 22 – Members of CTF-SOS DRS will be making fundraising appeals and promoting the mission of the organization at parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Diocese of Youngstown.
New - August 28 - Theresia Sinaga returns to Nairobi after more than 3 months of service in Haiti.
August 29 – Members of CTF-SOS DRS will be making fundraising appeals and promoting the mission of the organization at parishes in the Dioceses of Reno and Hartford and the Archdiocese of Boston.
Many thanks to all of those who are part of the effort. Please consider supporting our efforts. We need your help and so do those we are serving.
Fr. Scott
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Jared Rottinghaus – Meet our Missionaries – MCP 2010
Jared writes:
“Me in a nutshell: My name is Jared Rottinghaus. I was born and raised in Seneca, KS, on a farm. I have 4 siblings (1 brother, 3 sisters), and I am the 4th child. My parents, who have been married for almost 47 years, still live there. My father is a carpenter, and my mother has held a variety of jobs (currently in medical billing).
I graduated from the University of Kansas in 2001 with a BA in Biology, and from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2005. At that point I entered the seminary for my local diocese of Kansas City, KS, and studied at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Chicago for 3 years. As a part of that, I spent 9 months doing work at a local parish.
Last year I spent 6 months working in an orphanage in Peru, which sparked an interest in serving the poor. I hope to do this for at least 3-6 months in the near future, and I wouldn’t mind doing so in some medical capacity (obviously only as much as is appropriate to my level of training)”.
Jared has been serving with CTF-SOS DRS in the US and staying in the community in Milwaukee since May 2010. He has made appeals in the Dioceses of Davenport and San Diego. The plan is to mission Jared in the near future to Haiti or elsewhere. Right now he is working on his Haitian Creole!
Fr. Scott, Jared and St. Florian (in Chicago at St. Florian's - MCP 2010)
Terremoto in Chile 27 – Modulos en Parral y Cauquenes
“Si Dios quiere, las obras estarían listas y en funcionamiento la quincena de Junio donde y ya podrían ser utilizadas por los enfermos de la zona.”
Con alegría de dar respuesta a la necesidad de los Hospitales de Parral y Cauquenes, Gracias al valioso aporte de la Misericordie con fecha 17 de Mayo se empezó a trabajar en la construcción de los modulares para ambos hospitales que beneficiarán a la población afectada por el terremoto que se han quedado sin estructura sanitaria a la que puedan utilizar para solucionar sus problemas sanitarios.
El Hospital de Parral recibirá un módulo con 20 camas que los utilizará cómo hospitalización de pediatría mientras Cauquenes recibirá el mismo número de camas que las utilizará cómo medicina general.
Acorde a las necesidad de cada hospital, éstos modulares vienen a contribuir a normalizar la demanda de los hospitales destruidos por el terremoto del pasado 27 de Febrero. El gobierno de Chile aún no dá respuesta a éstas necesidades lo que cómo CTF Chile nos confirman que ha sido una muy buena decisión de apoyar a éstas estructuras con gran necesidad.
Hoy la región del Maule está en emergencia sanitaria porque ha llegado el invierno, las lluvias, las bajas temperaturas y el frío que ha azatado a la población que ha quedado sin hogar y que vive en carpas (mini tiendas) expuestas a las enfermedades propias de la estación invernal. Esto hace que los dos hospitales estén sobredemandados y así la colaboración de la Misericordie viene a contribuir a éste difícil momento que vive la gente afectada por el terremoto.
Las obras de construcción están ejecutando Caritas de Linares la cual dirige Padre Waldo, director social de Caritas, a través de su departamento de vivienda.
Si Dios quiere, las obras estarían listas y en funcionamiento la quincena de Junio donde y ya podrían ser utilizadas por los enfermos de la zona.
Adjunto las fotos donde se están ejecutando las obras. Estas corresponden al Hospital de Parral.
Terrain for Modulos [Buildings for Beds
New Modulo - Parral, Chile
Desde Parral -
Sebastián Maldonado Vivar
Coodinador Proyecto Humanización Camiliana – Terremoto Chile
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Earthquake in Haiti 39 – Theresia and Fr. John – The First Week
Earthquake in Haiti 38 – CTF-SOS DRS on the Ground 9
CTF-SOS DRS continues its work in Haiti in the wake of the earthquake there.
Here is a brief summary written by Theresia of activities during her first week in Haiti. She will be in Haiti through August helping CTF-SOS DRS provide medical, humanitarian and pastoral support to earthquake victims.
Wednesday May 19 - Arrival in Port Au Prince, Haiti
Theresia and John met Birgit [Landsaid Project Coordinator], Serge [Translator] and Maxo
Theresia and John attended WHO cluster meeting (mobile clinic cluster) at the Healing Hands for Haiti office with Birgit and Dirch[Managing Director of Lands Aid in Germany]
Orientation to the Landsaid/CTF-SOS DRS base and the Lands Aid members there
Thursday May 20
Daily planning meeting – Lands Aid
Mobile clinic at Notre Dame Seminary in Cazeau
The patients: 60
The medical team members:
Doctor : Rose Mary (German) Lands Aid
Doctor’s Assistant: Colin P. Richard (Haiti)
Nurse : Felicitas (German) Lands Aid
Nurse and Registration: Michaela (Haiti)
Pharmacist : Ramona (German), Lands Aid
Translators: Mitu (Haiti)
Translator and Registration: John Baptist (Haiti)
Nurse assistant: Theresia Sinaga (CTF-SOS DRS Indonesia)
Pharmacist Assistant: John Tanyi (CTF- SOS DRS) (Cameroon)Driver:Dimy (Haiti), driver
At 3 PM the mobile clinic is over for the day
Friday May 20
Daily planning meeting
Mobile clinic at Notre Dame Seminary,Cazeau
Pastoral Care Giver/Nurse assistant: Theresia Sinaga (CTF-SOS DRS Indonesia)
Pharmacist Assistant: John Tanyi (CTF- SOS DRS) (Cameroun)
3 PM – the mobile clinic is over for day
Theresia provided pastoral care for 2 patients with the help of a translator (JB):Madame Nicodem, a mother with 5 children who had an accident in 2008. Mad. N was knocked by a private car when she was going to the church.
Saturday May 21
Daily planning meeting
Set up the mobile clinic
Theresia, John and Dimy (driver) went to price cars and an internet service for the base community/projexct
Theresia and John join the mobile clinic
3 PM – the mobile clinic is over for the day
Sunday May 22
Mass at St. Pierre Vaniel Parish
Visit of Port au Prince – Earthquakes affected areas
Visit Santo – Site of possible prosthetics project
Lunch at traditional Haitian café
Monday May 23
Daily meeting by Lands Aid
Mobile clinic at Notre Dame Seminary, Cazeau
The patients : 67
Pastoral Care Giver/Nurse assistant: Theresia Sinaga(CTF-SOS DRS Indonesia)
Pharmacist Assistant: John Tanyi (CTF- SOS DRS) (Cameroon)
Tuesday May 24
Daily planning meeting by Lands Aid
Mobile clinic at Notre Dame Seminary, Cazeau
The patients : 63
Pastoral Care Giver/Nurse assistant: Theresia Sinaga (CTF-SOS DRS Indonesia)
Pharmacist Assistant: John Tanyi(CTF- SOS DRS) (Cameroon)
Wednesday May 25
Daily planning meeting
Mobile clinic at Notre Dame Seminary, Cazeau
The patients : 65
Additional volunteers :
Doctor: Marcela, (Italy – Pediatrician)
Daniella (Italy – a gynecologist)
Nurse: Gloria (Italy)
Theresia provided pastoral care for 2 patients – Rosedaniella Andre and Vivian. One was suffering significantly from the effects of the earthquake.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 3 so far )The Mission Continues – in Italy and Elsewhere – Fr. Scott
The sun shone brilliantly as I exited the airport baggage area and a gentle, cool breeze announced that it was springtime in the Eternal City. It was good to be back in Rome where I was last in the fall of 2009 – countless moons ago it seemed. This time it was May – the 21st to be exact. However, my return to Rome at this opportune moment would have basically the same purpose as the last visit:
- To spend time at the Maddalena – my canonical community – and to celebrate the Feast of St. Camillus and the Martyrs of Charity [May 25]
- To meet with members of CTF Central to discuss our organizational structure, mission and the various projects we are undertaking with collaborators in Abruzzo, Haiti, Chile, the Philippines, and Kenya
- To visit in Abruzzo and in Rome with those involved in Project Saint Camillus: members of Caritas Italiana and Caritas Aquila; representatives from Bambin Gesu Hospital; the board of the Rainbow Study; the group initiating our newest program [Stella Polare –a facility to help children and families traumatized by the earthquake]; pediatricians participating in the Study and attending a counseling course in Aquila [see Counseling Course; La Torretta; Board Meeting – Studio Rainbow].
- To meet with President of Bambin Gesu Hospital - Professor Profitti – to discuss our collaboration in Abruzzo and to look at ways of working together in Chile.
- To visit with friends
My days in Rome and beyond went by very quickly. Most of the time I was working. I did, however, take a needed and refreshing walk or two with friends and colleagues. I say there was a certain exigency because while in Haiti there was little time nor was it advised to walk freely in Port au Prince or its environs – especially alone. You may have heard in the news of the kidnappings of aid workers in Haiti. And right before I left 2 people were killed by gunfire near the doorstep of the facility where we were living and working. Rome was a little different: the only homicidal activity I saw there was people killing time – tourists et alia.
Although physically in Italy and working to accomplish the agenda above, I was nevertheless frequently occupied with issues elsewhere – in Haiti, Chile and the US in particular. Thanks to the various means of modern communication, my need to bilocate and even trilocate was in some sense being met. Alas….
Here is a brief update:
The work in the USA with SOS DRS never stops. Thanks to D’Ann Fisher, my executive assistant, who is holding down the fort, we are moving forward. She is aided by Chris Cichantek and a host of volunteers. We are particularly busy preparing for appeals in parishes – the staple of our fundraising activities. We are hoping for and even expecting the presence of several Camillian priests this year – all from Africa. Two lay people will join the effort as will a priest from Haiti. There is much work to do. We are also expecting several new visitors in the community this summer in Milwaukee – from the US and abroad. Stop in and visit if you have time! I will be in Milwaukee off and on throughout the summer when I am not in Haiti.
The work in Chile is moving forward. Witness the mission report written by Marco Iazzolino and I at the end of our April visit in Chile to Santiago, Parral and Cauquenes. Fr. Pietro Magliozzi has also written an excellent summary of the project so far – stay tuned for that. In addition to this, CTF Central recently came to an agreement with:
- Bambin Gesu Hospital to send a 3-person team to Santiago to look at doing a study/intervention analogous to the Rainbow Study
- Misericordiae both to purchase prefabricated modules to provide beds for the hospital in Parral and Cauquenes and for their president to go to Chile to inaugurate the opening of the modules. [See Accordo fra Le Misericordie e I Camilliani per collaborare nel lavoro della Camillian Task Force dopo i disastri]
- The Camillian Center of Humanization in Madrid both to send a team of counselors [one at a time] to Chile to assist in psychospiritual care and to begin providing formation in counseling. This is in line with the plan of CTF-SOS DRS to implement a distance learning program in Latin America that will be done in collaboration with CTF Chile and the Camillian Center for Humanization in Madrid, Spain.
The work in Haiti goes forward with the arrival of Theresia Sinaga and John and the agreement that CTF Central came to with the Piedmontese Province that the former would carry out the 3rd phase of its project outside the confines of the Camillian Hospital in Port au Prince [Foyer St. Camille] at a separate location. In fact, we of CTF-SOS DRS plan to expand our project according to our mission as the situation in Haiti requires it. And it does at present.
The earthquake ravaged much of the country and now the rains are coming. The people are getting agitated in the face of a government that doesn’t seem to be providing much help. Gasoline and diesel are frequently scarce; food is a precious commodity as is housing: the landscape of Haiti is marked greatly by rubble, damaged buildings and tents. Life is going on at a feverish pace, but there is little sign of significant reconstruction. While hope does spring eternal, the situation in Haiti is still quite difficult, just as its was before the earthquake.
I just finished an excellent book that chronicles the difficulties of Haiti since before it became a country – a history marked by violence, oppression of the poor, corrupt and ineffective governments, tragic intrusions in the affairs of Haiti by foreign powers – the US in particular. At least this is the picture painted by Paul Farmer, MD – the author of the book named The Uses of Haiti. A physician and an anthropologist, Paul Farmer started Partners in Health in Central Plateau. The book is on my recommended reading list. Caveat lector.
Speaking of Haiti, on my way to Rome I learned of the unfortunate death of Fr. P. B-Aime, a 33 y/o Haitian priest from the Diocese of Jeremie, who had an inoperable malignant brain tumor – or so we found out later.
Fr. P. and I knew each other for only a short time – less than 10 days in fact. The story of that time is worth telling, though, at least in brief – if for nothing more than to remember Fr. P. and to thank the Lord for the short life of this priest of God.
My work in the second phase of the project of CTF-SOS DRS in Haiti had me helping the Church. As a result I made the acquaintance of several of Her shepherds, one of whom asked for my help when Fr. P. fell ill and the medical resources in Haiti were insufficient. I didn’t quite know what to do when his bishop asked me for help. A little prayer and a visit with Fr. Pierre’s family at his bedside at which point I first met him and saw his suffering gave me the answer though: I had to do something quickly – get Fr. P. some medical and spiritual help. If not he would remain in Haiti and likely die a slow, painful death. Maybe there was a chance we could treat him in the US I thought.
To make a long story short, we were able to get Fr. P. and his sister, W. B-Aime – a Salesian nun herself – to the US via Medishare, the University of Miami’s post-earthquake-medical-relief organization. Fr. P. and his sister Wilda arrived on Saturday May 15 at Miami International Airport. I met them there as I was in town to do some fundraising at Blessed Trinity Parish in Miami Springs.
This “God-incidence” was only one of many, all of which involved people directly or indirectly helping Fr. P. Viewed retrospectively through the eyes of faith, I could see how these moments produced a chain of events that led ultimately to Fr. P. going to the US with his sister, W.. Such are the ways of Providence. The Lord was definitely working!
We brought Fr. P. to M. Hospital in Miami where he was welcomed and treated with great care as he underwent a CT scan and then an MRI – all while staying in the critical care unit at the Hospital. Fr. P. ultimately had a brain biopsy that, unfortunately, revealed that the tumor was malignant. During the ensuing days Fr. P. declined and then died – always accompanied by his faithful sister. I had gone to Italy the day before his death, not expecting that Fr. Pierre would die so soon and anticipating that I would see him again – alive. Instead, the tumor had its way – at least for the moment.
May Fr. P. rest in peace. May his family be consoled in their grief. May Christ the High Priest give to all of them that peace that is beyond words.
Pie Jesu,
Agnus Dei,
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Dona ei requiem.
Fr. Scott
CTF-SOS DRS is now present and providing disaster relief on 5 continents: in Chile (S. America); Haiti and the US (N. America); Italy (Europe), Philippines (Asia), and Kenya (Africa).
Many thanks to all of those who are part of the effort. Please consider supporting our efforts. We need your help and so do those we are serving.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Terremoto Cile 20 – CTF Central in Cile 3 – Mission Report
Prima nota sulla Missione CTF Central in Cile 14-20 Aprile 2010
26 aprile 2010
- Considerazioni generali
La missione in Cile e la condivisione del lavoro fatto sino ad ora dalla CTF Cile rappresenta in se una chiara indicazione sul futuro del lavoro della Camillian Task Force.
Le parole chiavi che emergono sono:
- Sinergia (con particolare riferimento al lavoro della grande famiglia camilliana ed alle Misericordie)
- Progettualità (capacità di leggere i bisogni e rispondere in maniera articolata)
- Stile di Comunità (creazione di un team che condivide “spazi” di lavoro e di vita)
- Sussidiarietà (lavoro con l’ente pubblico in un reciproco riconoscimento)
- Sviluppo (creazione di un know how utile piattaforma per il futuro)
- Il team del CTF Cile [vedi le foto sotto]
Padre Pietro Magliozzi dedica al servizio del progetto un tempo definito e “costretto” all’interno dei suoi impegni istituzionali. Il suo ruolo di coordinatore istituzionale della CTF Cile è riconosciuto ed apprezzato dai vari partner in uno spirito di generosità e passione a servizio del progetto.
Sebastian Maldonado è alla fine della sua laurea quinquennale in Assistente Sociale. Una lunga esperienza “missionaria” in Cile ed in diversi paesi di America Latina segnano la sua esperienza giovane ma intensa. E’ capace di relazionarsi in scenari complessi con passione ed entusiasmo a partire da una chiara identità della missione e dei valori della CTF. Ha il ruolo di coordinatore del progetto in stretto coordinamento con Padre Pietro che è il responsabile della CTF Cile.
Patricia Arregui è una Assistente Sociale che ha maturato la sua esperienza professionale e vocazionale nell’ambito di una esperienza religiosa segnata da un impegno attento e profondo al mondo della marginalità nell’ambito educativo (dai ragazzi di strada alla prostituzione). E’ la “stabile” nella base del CTF a Parral. Ha il ruolo di amministratrice del progetto (dalla gestione dei fondi alla rendicontazione).
Alicia è una Psicopedagogista espressione di un cammino articolato professionalmente nel mondo della marginalità e in una dimensione vocazionale matura ed attenta alla fragilità relazionale. Ha il ruolo del coordinamento di alcuni programmi in coordinamento con il team.
Suor Haida è Figlia di San Camillo. Ha assunto nel tempo un ruolo sicuro di referente per le attività di ascolto e delle attività della clinica mobile. Laureata in Teologia dedica almeno tre giorni a settimana a questo servizio con molta dedizione ed impegno.
Suor Alfonsina è Ministra degli Infermi. Rappresenta il volto “materno del gruppo”. La sua manualità è un segno di un lavoro utile al team ed ad un clima complessivo di collaborazione. Il suo servizio è legato soprattutto agli anziani di uno Hogar parrocchiale di Parral.
Alfonso, psicologo e counselor del Centro di Humanizacion. Si è integrato bene nel team. Ha il compito di avviare organicamente l’attività di ascolto e supportare in termini formativi la dimensione della relazione di aiuto.
1.1 Contrattualità ed i tempi del team
Grazie al nostro lavoro si è arrivata ad una formalizzazione (contratto) con Sebastian, Patricia e Alicia che avrà durata fino a dicembre 2010 ed auspicabilmente sarà rinnovato nei modi ed i tempi che saranno ritenuti opportuni a secondo dei bisogni. Le risorse economiche utilizzate sono in linea con il budget CEI.
- La communità e base logistica del progetto
Nella località di Parral si trova la communità-base logistica del progetto della CTF. Collocata in una località strategica ha buone potenzialità di accoglienza (anche fino a 15 persone) ed anche una piccola Cappella ricavata in un ex ripostiglio. Garantisce una dinamica comunitaria fondamentale per lo sviluppo del progetto ed interessante per l’identità della CTF Cile.
- La tipologia e la progettualità dell’intervento di CTF Cile
L’intervento della CTF Cile sino ad ora è stato in piena sintonia con l’identità e la missione del CTF – testimoniare l’amore misericordioso del Signore verso i malati e i poveri in parola, opera e sacramento attraverso un servizio sanitario, umanitario e pastorale.
E’ stata valorizzata molto la parola chiave “psico-spiritualità” che in questo scenario assume connotazioni specifiche figlie di vissuti e riflessioni maturate nel tempo. Il tentativo è stato di raggiungere le persone in disagio la dove sono proponendosi con attenzione e rispetto (anche ecumenico).
Il lavoro sulla progettualità è stato particolarmente complesso ed ha portato alla formulazione di un progetto complessivo e l’individuazione di un elenco di programmi (la cui redazione sarà pronta entro l’8 maggio) naturalmente con relativa indicazione di responsabilità, budget,…
Qui indico sommariamente alcuni aree programmatiche in cui si svilupperanno le principali attività:
3.1 Sanitaria
Finita l’emergenza in senso stretto si sta lavorando soprattutto a fianco degli ospedali per assicurare le condizioni minime per realizzare una adeguata risposta sanitaria (acquisto di due moduli da 35 posti per ciascun ospedale, fornitura di team medici, etc).
3.2 Pastorale -Sociale
A partire dall’esperienza dell’ascolto si stanno realizzando molteplici servizi di prossimità. Il Centro di Ascolto nella base della CTF come l’attività della clinica mobile e la presenza nei luoghi del disagio (ospedale, zona rurale, Caritas,..) sono solo alcune forme dell’impegno assunto.
3.3 Umanitario -Animazione
Il rapporto costante con la comunità ecclesiale (soprattutto in Parral) e la relazione con la Caritas diocesana assicurano una stretta correlazione in funzione di un lavoro comune di animazione, inserzione e condivisione per la gente coinvolta dal terremoto. Altro grande capitolo da sviluppare è l’animazione ad intra nei confronti dei religiosi e delle religiose appartenenti alla famiglia Camilliana.
- I principali partners (e relativi oggetti di collaborazione) del progetto
4.1 La Caritas diocesana di Linares
Rappresenta una preziosa opportunità di raccordo istituzionale ed operativo con la realtà ecclesiale che ha in se anche il mandato della Pastorale della Salute. Il direttore,Padre Waldo, è dotato di capacità non comuni oltre che di una conoscenza profonda ed appassionata del territorio della diocesi in cui si sta svolgendo l’azione di aiuto della CTF Cile. Le principali aree di collaborazioni formalizzate:
- Formazione degli operatori della Caritas alla gestione del PTSD. I principali destinatari saranno i 22 operatori professionali (psicologi e assistenti sociali) che collaborano stabilmente con Caritas (negli hogar e non solo). L’idea è quella di promuovere, attraverso questo intervento, un meccanismo di “formazione a ricaduta” che arrivi fino all’ultimo agente pastorale che si occupa dei campesinos.
- L’apertura di Centri di Ascolto utilizzando spazi e progettualità comuni in Parral e (nel tempo) a Cauquenes.
- Valorizzare il patrimonio di esperienze e competenze della Caritas connettendosi in maniera organica al lavoro della Ctf.
Le risorse economiche sono il linea con il budget Cei e con quanto promesso dalle Misericordie.
4.2 le Figlie di San Camillo
Suor Marina ha data la sostanziale disponibilità di Suor Haida. Da parte loro stanno facendo un grande lavoro post terremoto nell’accoglienza di anziani (circa 50) vittime del terremoto. La promessa è quella di aggiustare lentamente il tetto della casa per anziani poveri. Le condizioni attuali del tetto in eternit sono insostenibili in previsione dell’inverno incipiente.
Le risorse economiche sono da ricercare in fondi aggiuntivi (da SOS DRS a fondo Misericordie).
4.3 Le Ministre degli Infermi
L’impegno delle Ministre, mediante suor Teresina, è stato generoso ma ha bisogno di un ulteriore rinforzo meno professionale (grande è stato il contributo della suor Irma che è gia sulla via del ritorno) ma piu costante (valorizzazione di suor Alfonsina).
Le risorse economiche sono in linea con il budget Cei.
4.4 L’Ospedale pubblico di Parral
L’intervento nasce dal bisogno strutturale della strutturale del presidio ma anche dalla volontà di una attività piu organica di collaborazione al servizio di una salute integrale (intervento psico spirituale) ed a livello di risorse umane (possibile invio di team medici e non solo).
Si sta provvedendo all’acquisto di un modulo trasportabile che fornirà almeno 35 letti in più e che poi (alla fine dell’emergenza) tornerà di proprietà (e di uso) dei Camilliani.
Le risorse economiche sono in linea con il budget Cei e con quanto promesso dalle Misericordie.
4.5 L’Ospedale pubblico di Cauquenes
L’intervento nasce dal bisogno strutturale della strutturale del presidio ma anche dalla volontà di una attività piu organica di collaborazione al servizio di una salute integrale (intervento psico spirituale) ed a livello di risorse umane (possibile invio di team medici e non solo).
Si sta provvedendo all’acquisto di un modulo trasportabile che fornirà almeno 35 letti in più e che poi (alla fine dell’emergenza) tornerà di proprietà (e di uso) dei Camilliani.
Le risorse economiche sono in linea con il budget Cei e con quanto promesso dalle Misericordie.
4.6 Le Misericordie
La presenza del nucleo di valutazione è stato prezioso ed organico al progetto. La capacità tecnica ha contribuito a chiarire il quadro delle necessità (e delle risorse). Nel tempo andranno pensate ( a partire dall’accordo quadro) modalità e tempi diversi di intervento ma questa esperienza è stata molto importante.
L’impegno concordato è stato quello dell’acquisto dei due moduli per gli ospedali e la realizzazione di gemellaggi (in particolare con l’hogar delle Figlie) con Misericordie locali con i programmi concordati da Ctf Cile.
4.7 Il Ministero della Salute
L’incontro con il dott. Alvear (Pepe) ha contribuito ad approfondire un altro versante articolato ed interessante. Sostanzialmente Pepe ha chiesto a Ctf di organizzare nei contenuti l’annuale Congresso Nazionale degli operatori sanitari pubblici che sarà sul tema dell’emergenza. Al di là della presenza prevista di 1300 operatori sanitari e del prestigio della proposta questo apporto è interessante perché è in stretta continuità e correlazione con quanto alcuni Camilliani (Jose Carlos e Arnaldo) già fanno da tempo negli stessi scenari.
In questo senso si colloca anche la necessità e la richiesta di accelerare di molto il processo della formazione a distanza previsto.
4.8 La Fondazione Camilliana in Cile (Provincia Romana) e SOS DRS (Servants of Saint Camillus Disaster Relief Services)
Sin dall’inizio ambidue secondo le loro resorse umane, materiali e finanziari hanno assicurato un percorso stabile e produttivo per il progetto.
5.Formazione e studio scientifico sul post trauma
La Ctf si è impegnata nel promuovere la formazione di un ampio team di psicologi, assistenti sociali e più in generale di personale sanitario alla gestione del ptsd nei bambini e non solo. La formazione sarà curata dal Centro di Humanizacion sotto il coordinamento e la responsabilità del Ctf.
Si sta valutando, con il Bambin Gesu e la Cattolica di Santiago, l’avvio di un progetto di studio scientifico sul tema.
6. Conclusioni
Nei prossimi giorni arriveranno le linee finali di impegno e come Ctf Central entreremo nel dettaglio delle singole scelte ma alcune indicazioni che fanno parte del nostro “protocollo” sono da perseguire:
- Riunione periodica con il team via skype
- Convocazione del tavolo Cile per gli aggiornamenti e le indicazioni su lavoro comune
- Sostenere l’impegno delle Misericordie avanzando nel processo di accordo già avviato
- Creazione di una forte progettualità comune e di una diffusione dell’esperienza.
Marco Iazzolino/Fr. Scott
The new Community formed in Parral in the wake of the earthquake in Chile
Fr. Pietro Magliozzi, MI (far left)
Sebastian helps some kids
Daughters of St. Camillus – Parte della CTF
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Terremoto in Chile 18 – Pastoral in Parral con los Ninos
La campaña de jugetes realizada en San Bernardo por Anita y Graciela y apoyada por muchos voluntarios y benefactores en escuelas y capillas se ha transformado en alegría y cariño por muchos niños. Este es un ejemplo. Muchos jugetes todavía quedan en espera de distribucion.
Es importante siempre asociar la distribución con actividades pastorales que den un significado al gesto del regalo y personalizen la relación y el don. Vea las fotos
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Ketsana 9 – The Rehabilitation Work Continues
Here is a bit of news from Fr. Sam Cuarto, MI -a member of CTF Philippines. He is responsble for the Marikina Project that is supported by CTF Central and SOS DRS. Fr. Sam is also implementing much of the CTF rehabiliatation project supported by the Italian Episcopal Conference. Both of these CTF projects began in the wake of the September 2009 typhoon that struck Manila. Fr. Sam writes:
“Dear Fr. Scott, our rehabilitation activities are still ongoing. We had to slow down for more than one week as the Philippines held its election of national and local officials. Philippine elections are a big thing here. Five houses are part of our ongoing rehabilitation project in Laguna courtesy of the funds sourced by Fr. Aris in Canada. We are procuring school supplies for school children of affected families in Barangay Nangka who until now could not recover financially from the flood. We have to remember most of the belongings of these affected families were washed out and it is like they have to build from scratch. We are using the CEI funds for this. This is still part of relief and soft rehabilitation work. Pray we are doing fine with our ongoing activities. Salud!”
Donate to the Typhoon Ketsana Relief Effort in the Phillipines (Asia)
Why Give – Life Changing Stories
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Terremoto in Chile 17 – Colaboracion en Parral
Terremto in Cile 16 – Hermana Fatima and Dr. Alfonso
Desde Izquierda, en la primera foto: Matdyel Gonzalez, Jazmin Rio, Paola Garrido, Sebastian Maldonado, se han reunido en Parral como internos al último año de estudios universitarios en Trabajo Social para armar la tesis sobre la relación interpersonal en ambito comunitario de mujeres amas de casa en situación de pos-terremoto.
Paola hace práctica en el Consultorio de Calera de Tango, Matdyel en la Casa de la juventud de Barnechea y Jazmin en el Hospital S. José de Maipo.
Earthquake in Haiti 38 – CTF-SOS DRS on the Ground 9
Today, May 10, is the feast of St. Damian, the “Leper Priest” from Belgium who served in Hawaii. He is the saint after whom the chapel in which I celebrate mass everyday here in Haiti is named.
The people are still suffering in the wake of the earthquake: the rains have come, there is unrest in the capital and demonstrations, malnutrition is a serious poblem.
“Not without fear and loathing, Father Damian made the choice to go on the island of Molokai in the service of lepers who were there, abandoned by all. So he exposed himself to the disease of which they suffered. With them he felt at home. The servant of the Word became a suffering servant, leper with the lepers, during the last four years of his life… To follow Christ, Father Damian not only left his homeland, but has also staked his health so he, as the word of Jesus announced in today’s Gospel tells us, received eternal life.”
St. Damian is an example and an inspiration for all of us. Similarly, in the St. Damian chapel there is a little plaque that was written in the wake of the earthquake. Its basic message is quite appropriate – for all of us.
Senyè,
Si n’ap viv jodi a malgre siklon, grangou, malady ak tranbleman tè – nou dwe di, mèsi Senyè nou genlè pou yon bi.
English
Lord,
If we are alive today despite hurricanes, hunger, sickness and earthquakes, we should say – thank you Lord because we must be here for a purpose.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Earthquake Haiti 37 – CTF-SOS DRS on the Ground 8
Haiti grew on me during the 75 days that I spent there prior to my departure for the US on April 5, 2010. During that time I experienced a spectrum of emotions – joy, sadness, consolation, satisfaction and frustration - to name a few. I was leaving many memories behind in Haiti, but I was confident that I would return. The moments filled with great emotion in the midst of the tragedy were all united in the sense that the Lord Jeus had called me to go to Haiti and that He had me right where He wanted me.
My 75 days in Haiti were filled with powerful experiences too numerous to remember and often too profound to do justice to in writing. Such is the nature of experiences that go beyond words. I tried to shed light on some of these in previous posts. On the ground 7 ; On the ground 6
I arrived in Haiti on January 20. As the plane landed Patrick Tomeny and I were praying the world mission rosary - invoking the aid of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Patroness of Haiti. She was a constant guide during my 75-day stay, showing up at the most peculiar times and places. It was this reality that led me to turn to prayer as Dr. Raffaele Arigliani and I left Miami on the 24th of April on our way to Port au Prince. I was heading back to Haiti one more time, and I would need Our Lady’s help – just like the people of Haiti do.
The flight on the 24th from Miami was an opportunity to reflect on some of the experiences I had during my 75-day stay in Haiti. I was returning to a very difficult situation: the poverty in Haiti before the earthquake was pervasive. The tragedy of January 12 only intensified it. The misery of pre-earthquake Haiti was only augmented by the pain and the suffering caused on that fateful day in January.
Although sobering in their immensity, the difficulties in Haiti were also opportunities to show compassion and solidarity with those suffering. It was those experiences of being next to and with people that came to mind as Dr. Raffaele and I approached the runway in Port au Prince and touched down again – on the ground in Haiti once again – sure that I was in the right place at the right time.
Fr. Scott
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Terremoto in Chile 15 – Noticias de Chile
El día 19 de abril en la casa religiosa de los Camilianos de San Bernardo se han realizado muchas importantes reuniones en función del proyecto Camillian Task Force en Chile para la asistencia post-terremoto. Camillian Task Force in Chile
Padre Pietro Magliozzi, MI
Coordinador CTF Chile
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Earthquake Chile 14 – CTF Central in Chile 2
Earthquake in Chile 13 – CTF central in Chile 1
I didn’t quite know what I would see in Chile prior to my arrival there on April 15. After all, it is not too often that an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 on the Richter Scale hits anywhere, much less a developing country. On the other hand, Chile was no longer in the news and the requests for international aid were few in the wake of the disaster. In fact, even though the earthquake in Haiti occurred towards the beginning of January, it still never seemed to relinquish center stage after February 27, the day the earthquake in Chile took place. I was in Haiti at the time doing my part to help with the difficulties there. I would soon learn that it was not because there was no significant damage that we heard so little about the earthquake in Chile. There were other factors. Stay tuned.
Sharing a meal
After a very nice welcome in the community in Parral, Marco and I headed to the nearby hospital to visit with the directors and see the effects of the earthquake there. I wanted to assess the situation and then see if we might be able to develop a common plan to help the people of Parral. The winter was coming and the directors were concerned: their bed capacity had been diminished by 50 and they were attending to patients in a series of tents provided by the Japanese Red Cross. The destruction was impressive: the whole rectangular area at the back of the hospital structure as seen in the photo in the pre-earthquake picture below had been destroyed.
Picture of Parral Hospital from above
At the meeting with the directors, we agreed to look at continuing to collaborate in the following areas:
- Providing psychospiritual assistance to patients (Patricia, Sr. Haida, Sr. Alfonsa)
- Providing humanitarian assistance to patients
- Providing medical care and pastoral support for those suffering from chronic medical conditions (Sr. Fatima)
- Providing social assistance services (Sebastian)
We also discussed the possibility expanding our project to include:
- Medical care through visiting physicians, especially orthopedics care
- Providing a fabricated structure for hospital beds (40-50)
- Collaboration in implementing a program to study and treat PTSD in staff and children
We took the whole day meeting with people, touring the hospital, visiting with patients, assessing the damage done to the structure, discussing possible solutions and enjoying a meal as well.
A moment of communion, listening, discerning and looking for solutions in the wake of the earthquake
During the evening we relaxed a bit in the community and had a meeting to get to know each other and discuss the status of the project. It was a good moment of fraternity, and I was quite happy to see the progress we had made.
We had started our relief efforts by providing immediate humanitarian assistance via mobile vehicles and then we worked out of a base in Linares (the community of the Sisters of St. Camillus). Finally, we opened a community in Parral and are now providing care there and in Cauquenes. Yes, we are moving forward in helping the people affected by the earthquake. Our efforts are bearing fruit – particularly under the guidance of Fr. Pietro Magliozzi, MI and due to the good work of Sebastian, Patricia, and Alicia, the core of both the community in Parral and the relief effort. There is still much to do though. Please pray for us and those we are serving.
Fr. Scott
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Earthquake in Chile 13 – CTF Central in Chile 1
“Bienvenidos!” Fr. Pietro Magliozzi, MI and Sebastian Maldonado welcomed us with open arms as Marco Iazzolino and I stepped into the waiting area. It was great to see Fr. Pietro again after so many years. We were together in Rome from 1999-2001. And it was he who helped to start the CTF with me and others in 2001.
Marco and I are in Chile to have a moment of communion with those responding to the earthquake here; to listen to them; to discern and to analyze their needs and those of the people affected by the seismic event; and to search for solutions together.
The February 27, 2010 earthquake left many devastating traces - death, injuries, destroyed homes, traumatized people, etc. [Terremoto in Cile 1] And now the winter is coming. The mission continues in the midst of some significant suffering!
We arrived in Chile in the AM. After a brief breakfast with the Camillian community in Santiago and a 5- hour bus trip to Parral, we sat down for lunch and then a meeting with the members of the community responding to the disaster in that city, Cauquenes and elsewhere.
They are in the second phase of the response after providing humanitarian assistance for more than a month in the form of food and other goods [see a personal reflection written by the coordinator of the project - Sebastian - written soon after the earthquake]. Now the focus is on psychospiritual support, material assistance in the area of healthcare, and mobile medical care. Because the winter is coming, we are also looking at both the needs of the elderly who have lost their homes and the hospital in Parral that was severely affected by the earthquake.
There is much work to do, and the community in Parral is moving forward. It is composed of lay men and women; sisters from both female branches of the larger Camillian family – the Daughters of St. Camillus and the Ministers of the Sick; and priests from the Ministers of the Infirm. And now we are joined by 4 members from Misoricordie who are in Chile to assess the situation and collaborate with us.
We ended the day with dinner and the celebration of the Eucharist. It was a beautiful moment of communion – ubi caritas, Deus ibi est.
The new community formed in the wake of the earthquake in Chile - (L to R - Sister Alfonsina Stella, MI (Ministers of the Sick - Brazil); Gianluca Staderini (Misericordie - Italy); Dr. Maurizio Belli (Misericordie -Italy); Fr. Scott Binet, MI; Luca Lotti (Misericordie - Italy); Sister Haida Echeverria, MI (Daughters of St. Camillus - Peru); Andrea Patricia Arregui Asencio (Chile); Gionata Fatichenti (Misericordie - Italy); Marco Iazzolino; Sister Fatima Aparecida Vieria Santos (Ministers of the Sick - Brazil)
Not pictured are Sebastian Maldonado (Project Coordinator, Social Worker - Chile), Fr. Pietro Magliozzi, MD, MI (Coordinator CTF Chile); Alicia Hernandez Espinoza (Chile – Psychotherapist)
Please pray for us and those we are serving in Chile – Ubi Caritas Deus Ibi Est
Fr. Scott Binet MD,MI
Parral, Chile
The effects of the earthquake in Chile are still very apparent, and the work of CTF-SOS DRS here is expanding becuase of that. The people have significant needs. Please help them – Help Chile
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