Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, began today, Friday, a visit to the areas of Valencia most affected by the DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) that caused severe damage in the region. Accompanied by the Archbishop of Valencia, Monsignor Enrique Benavent, the Cardinal visited several places affected by the torrential rains, with special emphasis on the educational and parish centres in the area.
The tour began in Benetússer, where the Cardinal visited the premises of the Juniors M.D. movement and the parish of Nuestra Señora del Socorro, as well as the Colegio Nuestra Señora del Socorro, one of the most affected centres. According to the parish priest, Jesús Cervera, the school “was completely destroyed, the force of the water burst the walls and the classrooms were destroyed.” This center, which has been an educational reference for the community, housed about a thousand students, and a long reconstruction process is expected due to the damage caused.
The school, which has historically been a pillar for the education of the local population and nearby areas, has had to relocate its students to other facilities. In an event that has moved everyone, the image of the Virgin of Socorro, which was in the school, was found 11 kilometers away. “Many came at four in the morning that day to help at the school,” says Amparo Sánchez, director of the center. The cleaners, at first, tried to bail out the water, but the increasing force of the current forced them to take refuge on the first floor of the building, where they remained until they were rescued at six in the morning.
After his visit to Benetússer, Cardinal Czerny will continue his tour through Alfafar-Parque Alcosa, Catarroja, Picanya and Paiporta, where he will meet with the media at the church of San Jorge at 5:00 p.m., in the presence of parish priests and local authorities. The Cardinal will also visit La Torre, in the city of Valencia, on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
This tour highlights the Church’s commitment to the community in times of tragedy and support for reconstruction efforts following the devastating effects of the DANA.
