A week after a devastating earthquake struck the west coast of Japan, leaving thousands without water and electricity, Caritas Japan’s President, Bishop Daisuke Narui of Niigata, sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by the nation’s people.
In an interview with Vatican News, he discusses the aftermath of the deadly quake, expressing gratitude for Pope Francis’s prayers and emphasizing the importance of global support.
“The Holy Father’s closeness to the suffering Japanese people is deeply appreciated during this challenging time. His prayers and call for global support are invaluable,” says Bishop Narui.
The earthquake, with an estimated magnitude of 7.6, hit the Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day, claiming over 200 lives, injuring more than 500, and causing extensive destruction. Severe weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow, and rain, have impeded aid delivery, exacerbating the crisis.
Bishop Narui acknowledges the Holy Father’s closeness to the suffering Japanese people, as demonstrated by a telegram and prayers offered by Pope Francis following the disaster.
“Pope Francis personally mourned the lives lost in the deadly Japan earthquake through a telegram and in his words at his Wednesday General Audience. He prayed for the victims and rescuers of those affected by the earthquake, also remembering rescue crew workers killed in an airplane collision in Tokyo,” Bishop Narui affirms.
Despite facing yet another earthquake just before the interview, Bishop Narui reassures that it shouldn’t cause excessive concern. Pope Francis, in addressing the tragedy during his Wednesday General Audience, mourns the lives lost and extends his prayers to the victims and rescuers, also remembering those killed in a related airplane collision in Tokyo.
“Even in the face of another earthquake, we should not be overly concerned. The Holy Father’s prayers and acknowledgment of our challenges provide a source of strength and comfort,” assures Bishop Narui.
Caritas Japan, a part of the global Caritas network, is actively collaborating in over 20 human development projects worldwide. Bishop Narui details their efforts to aid the affected population, focusing on the challenges of accessing isolated areas due to damaged roads and the critical needs of those stranded.
“In such a case, when a huge disaster hits Japan, normally what Japan does is support the affected diocese. This time it’s Nagoya diocese,” explains Bishop Narui regarding Caritas Japan’s response to the disaster.
In response to questions about Caritas Japan’s projects, Bishop Narui explains the organization’s typical focus on foreign assistance but highlights their support for the affected Nagoya Diocese in this instance.
“What we are thinking to support the parish is to do so through these kindergartens. Through the kindergarten, we try to reach out to the affected places and people by providing materials like water, food, hygiene kits, and gathering other things,” he says.
Bishop Narui underscores the difficulty in reaching isolated areas due to damaged roads. He emphasizes the importance of waiting until the roads are repaired before extensive aid can be provided.
Bishop Narui also urges global support through prayer, emphasizing the mental and spiritual strength required by those affected.
“The biggest challenge is to reach out there and for the people who are in the evacuation centers and in their own villages. For some of them, they do not have enough food. Power and water are cut off, and it’s so cold. So it’s quite a difficult situation,” states Bishop Narui.
The prelate emphasizes the Pope’s role in rallying global support through prayer. “I personally really appreciate that the Pope is thinking about us, the people who are affected, and that he invited people around the world to pray for the affected people,” he shares.
Drawing from his experience during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, he attests to the powerful impact of collective prayer during challenging times.
“I really believe that prayer is very powerful, especially in such a difficult time. It really encourages the efforts of the people, as well as the people who want to support those affected,” says Bishop Narui.
The prelate highlights the Catholic Church’s strength in disaster situations, emphasizing the significance of accompaniment, both materially and spiritually.
“I personally believe the strength of the Catholic Church in times of disaster is its accompaniment. It’s really important to provide materials, but we also do not think that we live only by bread; we also live with prayer, spirituality, accompaniment, and support from others,” he says.
“Such accompaniment is very important.” He urges continued support for the victims throughout the rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery phases.
