April 2009

Donations and Messages Sent for the Earthquake Victims in Central Italy

In April, the executive committee of Rissho Kosei-kai's Donate-a-Meal Fund for Peace, chaired by Rev. Yuji Numata, director of the Dharma Missions Bureau, decided to donate 2 million Japanese yen for the relief of victims of the earthquake that hit L'Aquilla and other towns in central Italy at dawn on April 6.

Half of the amount, 1 million yen, will be donated to two Italian Catholic lay organizations based in Rome: the Community of Saint Egidio, the recipient of the 16th Niwano Peace Prize, and the Focolare Movement, with which Rissho Kosei-kai has long enjoyed cordial relations.

On April 7 President Nichiko Niwano sent messages of concern and condolence for the victims to the Italian Embassy, the Vatican's Nunciature in Japan, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, the Focolare Movement, and the Community of Saint Egidio.

The Focolare Movement informed President Niwano that none of its members had perished, although the houses of many members had been damaged or destroyed, and that affected members fled their devastated areas or stayed to help rescue efforts.

Prof. Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Saint Egidio, replied to President Niwano, thanking him for the concern and friendship that Rissho Kosei-kai showed for the people of L'Aquila and other towns in central Italy. He said Saint Egidio held a memorial service for the victims in the chapel of its headquarters in Rome.

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