Peru quake special award for Caritas

Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez of Tegucigalpa, Honduras meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel as part of an anti-poverty lobbying tour by church leaders from around the world [KNA-Bild/Misereor]

The President of Caritas Internationalis has been presented with an award by the Peruvian government in recognition of his work to help those affected by the 2007 earthquake in the country

Cardinal Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga visited CAFOD partner Caritas Peru to show solidarity with survivors after an earthquake levelled the coastal town of Pisco and destroyed homes in the surrounding region.

More than 500 people died and around 100,000 were left homeless by the 8-magnitude quake, which struck on August 15, 2007.

Honoured

Cardinal Rodríguez, who is also Archbishop of Tegucigalpa in Honduras, says: "I am honoured to receive the award of ‘El Sol del Perù’ on behalf of Caritas Internationalis.

"It highlights the importance of the work of Caritas, which acts as a beacon of hope to millions of men, women and children in times of disaster and difficulty."

Caritas Peru made an appeal for US$11 million and initially helped more than 55,000 families by providing food, water, tents, medicine, blankets, clothing, mattresses, hygiene kits, and cooking sets.

Caritas Peru also provided medical help and counselling to those affected by the disaster.

Cardinal Rodríguez adds: "I was very impressed with the quick and effective response of Caritas on the ground. It offered help – but more importantly hope – to people whose lives had been turned upside-down."

The order of "El Sol del Perù" was given to Cardinal Rodríguez by the Peruvian Ambassador to the Holy See, Alfonso Rivero Monsalve, at the Peruvian Embassy to the Holy See in Rome.

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