Helping Haiti

The Society of Jesus is active in Haiti. Word arrived early this morning from the assistant to the Provincial of the Chicago & Detroit Provinces of the Society of Jesus that all the Jesuits in Haiti are accounted for except one, who was not in the house during the quake and its aftershocks.

The communication also stated:

The Catholic community in Haiti has suffered a great loss: The cathedral has been destroyed and Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot has been killed. Additionally, the main hospital in Port-au-Prince has been destroyed.

At a time like this many feel the desire to help. We are in the midst of collecting as much information as possible about the status of Jesuit communities, their ministries and the wider needs of the community in Port-au-Prince. If you, your community, your ministry, friends or family would like to support the Jesuit ministries in Haiti, you may contribute online through the Chicago Province or Detroit Province website (links below):

Chicago Province Online Donation

Detroit Province Online Donation

Know that 100% of the donations will serve the people of Haiti. All monies will be directed to the French Canada Province and JRS USA to coordinate our support for the Jesuit response to the dramatic events taking place in Haiti.

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Donations also may be given directly to Jesuit Refugee Services USA.
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At the Vatican yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI said:

I appeal to the generosity of all people so that these brothers and sisters of ours who are experiencing a moment of need and suffering may not lack our concrete solidarity and the effective support of the international community. The Catholic Church will not fail to move immediately, through her charitable institutions, to meet the most immediate needs of the population.