The pictures show his visit to the Salesian centre of’ “Ecole Nationale des Arts et Métiers” (ENAM). “Here there were two floors. Two floors reduced to nothing!” the Rector Major said in dismay in front of the ruins of one of the blocks which thanks to a couple of minutes did not trap another hundred youngsters who had just left it for the recreation.

Among the ruins which the Italian Civil Defence service are working to remove, Fr Chávez stopped where there are still bodies underneath. “This was another part of the school which had three floors. Look what  it is reduced to! It’s here that there are 150 bodies of our pupils, of our students, of our teachers. They have the right to be afforded dignity for their lives and also for their deaths.”

The streets of Port-au-Prince show just how much damage the earthquake caused. The National Palace, residence of the President of the Republic, collapsed in on itself.

Seating on the ruins of the cathedral, Fr Chávez said: “I pray and hope that this will be an opportunity for the re-birth of the country! Re-founding too our Salesian presence and collaborating in the building of  a world which can give more hope and a better future to this country. I don’t hide my emotion, I’m upset, … after seeing up close, knowing how many bodies are still under the ruins … I can only be silent!”

The video also shows the reception being provided by the Salesians at Drouillard and, above all at Carrefour-Thorland. Here, in collaboration with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Mexican Civil Protection services, over 12,000  homeless people are staying.

The video, “Tears for Haiti,” is one of the things being done so that, as Fr Pascual Chávez himself says, “the spot-lights don’t go out on Haiti!” Shortly there will be a letter from the Rector Major to the Salesians and to the Salesian Family. In the Image Bank photographic archives high-resolution photos are available.

Accompanying the Rector Major on his journey to Haiti between 13 and 15 February were the Director of ANS, Fr Donato Lacedonio, and two of the staff from Missioni Don Bosco Media Centre in Turin, Mr. Stefano Bianco, executive producer, and Antonio Saglia, a Salesian Brother. This decision was based on the desire to communicate  information which was more  precise, complete and effective. A DVD is already in preparation with the reports of the Salesians rescued from the ruins and the account of the Rector Major’s visit.

Published 19/02/2010