Dear Father Paul,

The alarming news of that very strong (9.8° R.) earthquake which struck Japan today reached us on the radio just 10 minutes after it occurred, at 8.10 this morning. That was your afternoon. Obviously we are all considerably worried about how all our Passionists there fared.

Even if there were no physical injuries, the shock must have been quite great. All of us want you to know you are held close in our hearts, and that goes for our fellow religious
there, your kith and kin and all the Japanese population. We have seen daunting scenes on the TV and in the newspapers as also on the web in our computers. The most tragic part, no doubt, was the tsunami. Our prayers go out to all the victims and their families. Were any of you or our houses there directly affected? Please inform me as soon as you
can and don’t hesitate to tell me if there is anything we can do for you. At any rate, know that our prayers are with you at this time of suffering and worry.

My fraternal greetings go out to you and your Consultors, Fathers Francis Nakamura and Isaia Kishi and all the religious of the Viceprovince. I enjoy going back in my thoughts to those days of your Congress at the end of November and beginning of December last. Who would have thought of the impending catastrophe at that time? May our good God comfort and console the injured and those who have lost everything, and may he give eternal rest to all those who lost their lives.

As I await news from you, please accept my fraternal greetings as well as those of all the General Council and the community here at Saints John and Paul..

(Most Rev.) Ottaviano D’Egidio, C.P.
Superior General
Retreat of Saints John and Paul.
Rome, March 11th 2011