[1] On 17th March 2011, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, which is responsible for the overall direction of the Apostleship of the Sea, made this statement from the Vatican.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have seen the dramatic images of buildings shaking and collapsing for the most powerful earthquake followed by the devastating tsunami that hit the Northern Japan only a few days ago. It is still early to realize the magnitude of the tragedy, entire cities are destroyed, hundreds of people are dead and ten of thousands are displaced. I do not have words to express my solidarity to all the people affected by this tragedy and I assure them that they are in my thoughts and prayers.

The government emergency and rescue response has being immediate and it will continue for weeks and months. However, I understand that facing this immense catastrophe even a technological advanced and developed country like Japan needs assistance to rebuild the lives of broken families and communities.

As it happened for the tsunami that struck the coasts of Asia in 2004, I think that the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) as worldwide community should be present as an extraordinary manifestation of solidarity. It should offer its contribution to assist the victims of this calamity.

The Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, which is responsible for the overall direction of the Apostleship of the Sea, has decided to set up a special “AOS special Fund for the victims of Tsunami in Japan” with an initial donation of 3.000 (three thousand) Euros.

This fund, with other donations, aside from providing assistance to respond to the immediate needs of the survivors, will sustain a long-term commitment plan for the people who are at the heart of our ministry, like seafarers, fishers and theirs families.
The donations received will be given directly to AOS in Japan. The National Director Soon-Ho Kim, with the supervision of the AOS Bishop Promoter, H.E. Msgr. Michael Goro Matsuura, has taken the responsibility to coordinate this effort by submitting rehabilitation projects and budgets in order to help devastated fishing communities and rebuild their lives.

This Pontifical Council has created two different bank accounts, one in US$ and the other one in Euros, where you can send donations. Please let us know about any transfer of funds.

I would be grateful if you could forward this message to your collaborators and colleagues and give all the publicity that you think fit.

I thank you in advance for your support and generosity and pray for the blessing of Mary, Star of the Sea, for this endeavor.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+ Antonio Maria Vegliò
   President

How to send donations

“AOS special Fund for the victims of Tsunami in Japan”

In USA Dollars

BANK:    MORGAN CHASE BANK
ADDRESS:    4 CHASE METRO TECK
7th FLOOR 11245 BROOKLYN
NEW YORK (USA)

SWIFT-BIC CODE:    CHASUS33XXX
ABA ROUTING NR:    021000021

ACCOUNT NO:    001 – 1 – 975 000

BENEFICIARY:
ISTITUTO PER LE OPERE DI RELIGIONE
(Cod. Swift-BIC: IOPRVAVXXXX)
00120 CITTÀ DEL VATICANO

CAUSALE:    Pontificio Consiglio Migranti – conto n. 22 52 70 14

In Euro

BANK:    JP MORGAN – CHASE BANK
ADDRESS:    14, JUNGHOFSTRASSE
60311 FRANKFURT AM MAIN
BLZ 50110800 (Allemagne)

IBAN:        DE81501108006231606168
SWIFT-BIC CODE:    CHASDEFXXXX

BENEFICIARY:
ISTITUTO PER LE OPERE DI RELIGIONE (IOR)
00120 Città del Vaticano

CAUSALE:    Pontificio Consiglio Migranti – conto n. 22 52 70 13