(17 Feb 06 - RV) The following telegram was sent Friday by the Vatican's Secretary
of State:
Dear Bishop Cantillas,
Deeply saddened by news of the tragic
landslide which has destroyed the village of Guinsaugon, the Holy Father offers fervent
prayers for those who have died and he invokes divine consolation upon those who mourn.
He prays that the relief effort will be swift and generous in its response to the
disaster and asks the Lord to grant courage and strength to all involved in the task
of caring for those who have lost their homes. Entrusting you and your people to the
protection of Mary, Comfort of the Afflicted, he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing
as a pledge of strength and peace in the Lord.