Cardinal Czerny travelled from the Vatican to the towns most affected by the floods in Valencia on 30 October, to convey the solidarity of Pope Francis.
Although almost three weeks have passed since the tragedy, much remains to be done. Czerny was able to see this first hand, accompanied by the Archbishop of Valencia. Together they visited schools, collection points and parish centres.
The mobilisation of volunteers, who were on the scene from the very first minute, resonated with the Cardinal.
“Also the fact that the church, the volunteers, have been the first, and even the only ones, to respond. This also teaches us something about what the life and service of the people of God should be. I think that at least one message is not to lose the spirit of collaboration,” he said.
The cardinal celebrated Mass together with the priests of the community, the religious and volunteers in the city most affected by the floods Paiporta.
Here, he reiterated his gratitude to all those who decided to help in the most difficult moments.
“Everyone says that the first manifestation of the risen Christ was the volunteers and that they did not even take three days, like Christ himself to rise, but they immediately began to appear and were truly bearers of life,” he said.
Deaths in Valencia from the DANA reached almost 220. More than half died in their homes and garages after the natural disaster that swept away cars, parks and the memories of a lifetime.