(Fr. Berrade CM was featured in the New York Times story 8/20.)

Dear Friends (and Family),

Over the years we’ve shared our lives: meals, visits, trips, fun times, hard times, work, volunteering, prayers. You may know me a short time, or all of my life, but our hearts have touched somewhere along the path. And you are, mostly, my American half. But, as you know, I spent almost 30 years in Peru, some continuously, some doing project work since 1997. My children were born there. I have very strong family, school and friendship ties in my second homeland. So when catastrophes such as the terrible earthquake of August 15, 2007 hit, it hurts. “Normal life” stops.

In 1998 I began assisting an outstanding group of Vincentian Volunteers in Lima called Asociacion de Caridades Vicentinas, in the Virgen Milagrosa parish of Miraflores (). The membership consists of about 35 volunteers who work tirelessly to feed and bring health and social programs to indigent elders. The priest who organized them in 1995 is Father Alfonso Berrade, from the Vincentian Congregation, originally from Spain. He has worked in Peru, for the poor, almost 40 years now (he can be ‘googled,’ in fact). I was with him in April. This is the very same parish priest who was sent to Pisco a little over a year ago to tend to the spiritual needs of about 300 families (1500 people) in the parish of San Clemente, which some considered the ‘cathedral’ of Pisco because it sat on the main square, the Plaza de Armas. On August 15, between 200-300 people were inside the church at Mass when the earthquake struck; most all have perished, including the entire chorus of 30 young people, several nuns, 15 members of one family, and the list goes on. They have not yet recovered all the bodies. Father Alfonso is in contact with his Vincentian Volunteers in Lima and is reporting on conditions and their urgent needs every day. All of the heartbreaking story is being covered fully via radio and TV, and Father Alfonso has been featured several times in the last 24 hours.

We know 80% of the entire city of Pisco has been destroyed. Similar is the situation for Chincha, Ica, Canete and many others too long to list. Water, electricity and communications are still not fully restored. Canned and other non-perishable foods, and water, are coming in but the (understandably) slow emergency response system to coordinate this vast relief effort makes it very tough. The government seems overwhelmed by the demands. United Nations, Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, and many other organizations are stepping in where they can, but organized international efforts MUST go through the government, causing delays and all sorts of red tape, while needs are prioritized and then addressed. People continue stunned by their personal losses, and often feeling abandoned.

I’m talking daily with the Vicentian Volunteers, and my main contact, as always, is Pilar Barboza Besada, a founding member and former president of the association, and a native of the affected area. These volunteeers are desperate to help their mentor and director, Father Alfonso. Some have already begun driving down themselves, taking food and water; it’s taken them 12 hours to get back from a 100 mile trip because of the damaged roads and bridges, and heavy, slow traffic. A very hazardous, in fact dangerous, trip for them. I can barely imagine the courage, and faith, these women are having to muster to drive down.

If you wish to help, we have a unique opportunity to help Father Berrade and his parish families, through the Vincentian Volunteers WITHOUT going through these cumbersome official channels, and getting the help to them IMMEDIATELY. Tomorrow I will begin sending donations directly to the Asociacion de Caridades Vicentinas so the volunteers can purchase items Father Alfonso is asking for, and they can continue transporting these items however best they can. I understand an interfaith network has now formed to help each other’s churches make these transportation runs by truck.

This is where I am going to ask for your trust and faith. I’ve been asked how best to make out a check. We want the money to reach Father Berrade and Pisco immediately. NOW. Some checks are already beginning to come in to my name, at the recommendation of my dear (Peruvian) friend Luz Corcuera, who is rallying all her friends in this area. This is the best way for now. Mike and I will be opening a bank account tomorrow in Bank of America that will be earmarked for “Earthquake Relief” and we will immediately transfer those funds to the Asociacion de Caridades San Vicente. Mike will help me with all of the accounting and everyone will receive an acknowledgement of their donation as well as an acknowledgement from Luz Portella, the current President of the Asociacion de Caridades San Vicente. Large or small, every bit of funding helps. And because I have worked with the Vicentinas on so many projects for several years, I KNOW they will make the proper use and accounting of all funds.

I ask for your help, if you have not already found another way to assist in these efforts. The needs will be of short, medium and long-term duration. Last night Father Alfonso indicated after food, water and tents, they will be needing stoves, for example; they have no way of cooking yet.

With faith, on Sunday.

Joan

PS. Some of you have already responded, and some have already sent a contribution. Words cannot fully express our appreciation. You know how deeply I thank you. Do feel free to pass this note along to other friends or family members who may want to contribute to Peru.

As a reminder, my address is:

Joan Mahon

13405 Montclair Place

Bradenton, Fl. 34202