After the World Days, in spite of exhaustion, one receives a lot more. The president of the Pontifical Commission for Social Communications gave a homily on the elements necessary for a good film. Films are successful when they are filled with images, and often with symbols, he reasoned. The diocese of Mando, Indonesia, was struck yesterday by an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale. An earlier tremor, registered on May 4, killed as many as 50 and left dozens injured and hundreds homeless.
Conditions are extremely difficult in the diocese.
Hans Rettob, parish priest in a neighboring village, reports that hundreds of houses, schools, and church buildings were damaged. A public shelter has been set up in a field outside of town, with the help of local priests and sisters. Most of the residents, including Fr. Rettob, have had to abandon his homes. Pastoral work is almost impossible, according to the priest.