About 10 days ago we posted news here about the earthquake and recovery efforts in Mexicali, Mexico on the Baja Peninsula, where our brother, Fr. Joseph Barranger, O.P., is working alongside our brothers in the Western Province.  Here is Fr. Joseph’s latest update of the situation.  If you would like to assist the rebuilding of the Dominican mission in Mexicali, email Fr. Joseph by clicking here.

Dear Friends,

The recovery here in Baja is very slow. We have had (according to news reports) thousands of aftershocks since the major Easter Sunday quake. They are, in fact, a daily (and nightly!) occurrence. We hardly remember what its like to be standing on ground that is not moving. We have also had several more quakes above 5.0 over the past few weeks. The most recent, a quake of 5.2, stuck while I was celebrating the First Communion Mass for the children last weekend. Again, thankfully, no one was seriously injured. Our Lady must have a very large mantle, and it's been spread over a great many people here lately.

The level of constant fear and anxiety among the people is a real problem. Many people are afraid to leave their houses, and many more are afraid to stay in their houses. There are still thousands of homeless families living in "tent cities" in the desert, and they are receiving little government assistance. Because of widespread corruption, food and other supplies sit rotting outside of distribution centers, and don't reach the people. What does reach the people largely comes from the local churches and other religious organizations. The sanitary conditions among these people are horrible. Many of the villages that were completely destroyed are cooperative farming communities in the desert. The irrigation canals have been destroyed, so their crops will be lost and they have no other means to support themselves. Entire villages may simply be abandoned.

Our parish and mission buildings are seriously damaged, and we are struggling to repair them. In addition to the parish church, we have three other chapels in various parts of the mission, and two buildings with classrooms for catechesis. The facade of the parish church was in danger of falling so we had to tear it down, and we have not been able to begin needed repairs to our convent. I am constantly amazed at how resilient the people are here. Baptisms, weddings, and First Communions continue to be celebrated, along with the funerals of people who have died as a result of injuries related to the earthquake. And the people are supporting one another with what I have come to see as typical generosity here. We have what is called the dispensa at every Mass, where people bring up bags of food, clothing and supplies for the people most affected. I am just beginning to get used to the sight of boxes of toilet paper, and other unmentionable things, sitting before the altar. It resembles the "giveaway table" at the House of Studies. The friars here remain grateful for the prayers and support of so many of the brethren, but we are in need of continued prayers.

Fraternally,

Fr. Joseph Barranger, O.P.