Walking together towards the construction of an ecologically converted resilient community (econ)
Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS Foundation) invites you to join us in commemorating the World Day of Disaster Victims on October 13, 2024. It is a day of prayer for all survivors and for those who have died, and in honor of our volunteers who have dared to accompany victims towards recovery. As global partners dedicated to humanitarian ministry, we believe this occasion represents a unique opportunity to come together, pray, and reflect on our collective commitment to building the resilience of those affected by natural and man-made disasters.
The World Day of Disaster Victims is a celebration promoted by the Order of the Ministers of the Sick (Camillians) since 2012. The objectives are: to promote awareness of disasters worldwide, with particular attention to issues of social justice and integral health; to inform and raise awareness among Camillians and our collaborators about the urgency of intervening during natural and man-made disasters and the ability to read the new signs of the times. The day coincides with the celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Climate change has had a direct impact on over 3.39 billion people (44% of the global population in 2020), causing the deaths of over 472,000 people. In 2023, there were a total of 399 disasters related to natural events that caused 86,473 deaths and 93.1 million people affected. The impact heavily affects countries with low levels of human development. They do not have access to early warning systems, evacuation plans, and finances to support the necessary changes. (Donatti C, et.al., 2024, EM-DAT 2023).
Climate disasters are increasing at an alarming rate. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and fires, are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. These disasters have devastating consequences for communities around the world, causing loss of life, displacement, economic hardship, and environmental degradation. The impacts are particularly severe in vulnerable regions, where populations are often ill-prepared to face these challenges. As the world continues to confront the effects of climate change, urgent action is needed to mitigate emissions, adapt to changing conditions, and build the resilience of vulnerable communities.
We join the global community in reflecting on the devastating impact of natural and man-made disasters and in honoring those who have lost their lives or have been affected by these events. CADIS is deeply committed to supporting vulnerable communities and individuals in the face of disasters. Founded on the love and mercy of Jesus, with St. Camillus at its heart, CADIS promotes and inspires the development of community-based integral health programs for the well-being of communities affected by disasters through compassionate, competent, and coordinated interventions. We believe that, by working together, we can build more resilient societies and mitigate the suffering caused by disasters.
We invite you to dedicate this day to prayer for all disaster survivors and for all those who accompany them in this time of crisis. Above all, we pray for reconciliation with the world that is directly wounded by irresponsible human activities. Pope Francis invites us with his words: “I ask everyone to accompany this pilgrimage of reconciliation with the world that is our home and to help make it more beautiful, because this commitment has to do with our personal dignity and our highest values.” (Laudato si', 69). An example of a prayer is shared below:
Prayer for the victims of disasters
Merciful and gracious Creator,
we gather today in your presence with heavy hearts, aware of the many people who have suffered the impact of natural and man-made disasters. In this sacred moment, we lift our collective spirit to offer prayers of comfort, strength, and hope for those who bear the scars of adversity.
Lord, we remember the communities torn apart by the forces of nature - those battered by storms, flooded by waters, shaken by earthquakes, and burned by fires. We hold close in our hearts those who have been displaced, who have lost their homes, their loved ones, and their sense of security.
We also think of those trapped in the web of conflict and who face devastation caused by human hands. We pray for those who endure the anguish of displacement, the pain of separation, and the deep wounds of war.
In this moment of reflection, we recognize the resilience that resides in the hearts of the victims. May your comforting embrace, O God, surround them as a source of strength. Grant them the courage to face the challenges ahead and may they find comfort in the support of compassionate communities.
Lord, inspire us to be instruments of your peace and agents of compassion. May our collective efforts be guided by love, empathy, and commitment to uplift those who are most vulnerable. Open our hearts to the cries of the suffering and strengthen our determination to build a world where justice and solidarity reign.
As we stand in solidarity with the victims of disasters, we offer our prayers not only for their healing, but also for the healing of our wounded planet. May our actions be a reflection of your divine love, working for a world where all creation lives in harmony.
In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
