28 Filipino nuns affected by quake in Italy
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 04/21/2009 7:00 PM
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Twenty-eight Filipino nuns were affected by the powerful earthquake that recently shook Abruzzo in Italy.
Consul General and acting Ambassador of the Philippines to the Holy See Lilibeth Pono traveled to Giuliano Teramo to visit the 28 nuns and assess their needs in the quake-hit L'Aquila in Abruzzo.
They were identified as Sr. Amalia Cabrias, Sr. Edna Falcasantos, Sr. Victoria Buslon, Sr. Fely Andaol, Sr. Sahlee Friales, Sr. Evelyn Nunes, Sr. Maria Fabiana Hinlayagan, Sr. Rejenarch Sayson, Sr. Gemma Vergara, Sr. Vilma Menurca, Sr. Lucila Faelmar, Sr. Nilda Neri, Sr. Grace Miasco, Sr. Sally Baniel, Sr. Amiable Tuazon, Sr. Teresita Lauron, Sr. May Chiva, Sr. Juanita Fablizo, Sr. Esperanza del Carmen, Sr. Teresa Canoy, Sr. Ginalyn Saludo, Sr. Pia Conales, Sr. Judith Atilano, Sr. Mariza Lorredo, Sr. Antonietta Panerio, Sr. Haydee Miranda, Sr. Anna Buen, and Sr. Elizabeth Solamo.
Pono said the Filipino nuns became emotional but were overjoyed by their visit.
"The moment we arrived, the joy on their faces...nag umpisa na ang iyakan pagdating namin kasi sabi nila ano akala nila ay nakalimutan na kami and the Philippine government cares for us pala," said Pono.
According to the nuns, they immediately evacuated their houses that collapsed when the earthquake struck the city of Abruzzo.
"They felt fear at that time and they also have the courage kasi they have to save themselves and those people under their care," said Pono.
Reports said the Filipino nuns who are from Zelatrici del Sacro Cuore congregation have been transferred to Teramo. The nuns are in need of additional clothing, undergarments, and footwear.
Aside from the Filipino nuns, 30 other Indonesian nuns were affected by the earthquake.
Meanwhile, the embassy promised to coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Italy for the nuns’ new passports and other documents.
Pono also appealed to other religious communities to help the nuns. Report from Jocelyn Ruiz, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau, Italy
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