Journeying together towards building an ecologically converted (econ)-resilient community
The Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS Foundation) invites you to join us in commemorating the World Day of the Victims of Disasters on October 13, 2024. It is a day of prayer for all the survivors and those who perished, and honoring our volunteers who dared to accompany the victims towards recovery. As global partners dedicated to humanitarian ministry, we believe that this occasion presents a unique opportunity for us to come together, pray and reflect on our collective commitment to building resilience among those affected by both natural and non-natural disasters.
The World Day of the Victims of Disasters is a celebration promoted by the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm (Camillians) beginning in 2012. The objectives are - to promote awareness about disasters worldwide with special attention to the themes of social justice and integral health and to inform and awaken the Camillians and our collaborators on the urgency of intervening during natural and non-natural disasters and the adeptness in reading the new signs of the times. The day coincides with the celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Climate change has directly impacted over 3.39 billion people (44 % of the global population in 2020), causing deaths to over 472,000 people. 2023 has recorded a total of 399 disasters related to natural events causing 86,473 fatalities and 93.1 million people impacted. The impact is heavily hitting the countries with low levels of human development. They don’t have access to early warning systems, evacuation plans and finances to support needed changes. (Donatti C, et.al., 2024, EM-DAT 2023).
Climate disasters are escalating at an alarming rate. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires, are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. These disasters have devastating consequences for communities worldwide, leading to loss of life, displacement, economic disruption, and environmental degradation. The impacts are particularly severe in vulnerable regions, where populations are often ill-prepared to cope with these challenges. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, urgent action is needed to mitigate emissions, adapt to changing conditions, and build resilience in vulnerable communities.
We join the global community in reflecting on the devastating impacts of natural and human-caused catastrophes, and to honor those who have lost their lives or been affected by these events. CADIS is deeply committed to supporting vulnerable communities and individuals in the face of disasters. Grounded in the love and mercy of Jesus, with St. Camillus in our hearts, CADIS promotes and inspires the development of community-based integral health programs for the well-being of disaster-stricken communities 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 are inviting you to dedicate this day to praying for all the survivors of disasters and all those who are accompanying them in this moment of crisis. Above all, let us pray for a reconciliation with the world who is directly hurt by irresponsible human activities. Pope Francis invites us in 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 that commitment has to do with our personal dignity and highest values.” (Laudate Deum, 69). A sample prayer is shared below as follows:
Prayer for the Victims of Disasters
Gracious and Merciful Creator,
We gather in your presence today with heavy hearts, mindful of the many persons who have endured the impact of natural and non-natural disasters. In this sacred moment, we lift our collective spirit to offer prayers of solace, 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 scorched 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 turn our thoughts to those ensnared in the web of conflicts, facing the devastation wrought 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 within 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 that lie ahead, and may they find solace 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 a commitment to uplifting those who are most vulnerable. Open our hearts to the cries of the suffering and strengthen our resolve 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 towards a world where all creation lives in harmony.
In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
