As our brothers in Puerto Rico gather for their Chapter from February 10-14, our Provincial Minister, Tom Betz, OFM Cap., gives us this update about the conditions endured by our friars and of the women and men of the island:
I have had many questions from friars about the damage caused by the recent earthquakes in the southern part of the island. Before coming to the island I had a difficult time getting clear information, not because I could not talk to the friars about the situation, but because assessment of the damages is a matter of perspective.
At this moment I write from Ponce, the area most affected by the earthquakes. The epicenter of the seismic activity is about about a 30 minute drive from our Ponce friary.
First, there are over 20 aftershocks (small earthquakes) each day, according to the government reports. Many are not even big enough to detect and often one just feels a certain softness in the earth, a kind of queasiness that signals that the earth below is not completely solid. It has been several days since a major tremor.
The earthquake activity has not ended and this makes many people uneasy, even fearful. In Ponce, there are tent cities in public parks and sports arenas. Many of those living in tents have homes that were not destroyed but the people are just afraid to stay under a roof when the earth is still not solid. As I said in a previous report to you, the people's psychological suffering is significant.
And everything in Puerto Rico must be understood in terms of "pre" and "post" hurricane Maria. Maria was such a devastating blow that all life here is referred to in terms of that catastrophe. People here, including the friars, are exhausted by the disasters that have hit. Don't forget that a month before Maria hit, there was hurricane Irma which now seems mild, but it was mild only in comparison. In 2017 there were two major hurricanes, one was apocalyptic.
So the earthquakes must be considered in light of the trauma that happened two years ago.
Two of our Capuchin places are affected by the earthquakes. None of our buildings are collapsed and in rubble. But there is serious damage.
First, at Utuado the church has significant structural damage. The cupola has major cracks as does the ceiling. And the two towers in front of the church have cracks. San Miguel Church, Utuado will require major work before it is safe to use. The people have Mass and other church activities in a covered pavilion gym at the old, now closed, high school. A few other buildings have some damage and are not usable, though after an engineer's certification, perhaps they will be deemed safe. But the church is not safe.
Utuado is rather far from the seismic epicenter, perhaps an hour's drive. So it is surprising that there is so much damage. Remember, though, that Utuado was called "ground zero" for hurricane Maria damage. It is sad to see what the people of Utuado have suffered.
In Ponce, the Church is actually not seriously damaged, though the tower in front of the Church is damaged and is a hazard. Still, until assessment is made and until the seismic activity stops, the church can't be used. Mass is held under a makeshift tent outside the church.
At Ponce one former school building used for catechism and other activities is seriously damaged. Some of the major beams that support the structure have fallen and there is really nothing holding the roof up. And some of the retaining walls around the property are in bad shape and are hazardous.
Ponce is also a poor place and the neighborhood surrounding our parish, Santa Teresita, is very poor. Perhaps Ponce is the poorest place where friars of our Province live and work. Many homes are empty. It is sad indeed.
I attended a Thursday evening holy hour with adoration at the outdoor pavilion in Utuado and two Masses here in Ponce under the tent. It is inspiring to gather with the Catholic community and their friar pastors to worship God in such a setting.
I continue to be inspired by our Capuchin presence in Puerto Rico.
The triennial Chapter (meeting of the brothers) begins tomorrow, February 10th. Pray for the friars and people of Puerto Rico.
Br. Tom