By now everyone is aware of the 7.7 scale earthquake which hit most of Central America on Saturday 13th of January. El Salvador is the worst affected country with final predictions of thousands of dead and injured and extensive material damage.

The General Curia received a message from the Provincial Secretary asking for international solidarity for the victims and their families. The Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Central America, have been extensively involved in reconstruction projects throughout Central America since Hurricane Mitch struck two years ago. The Franciscan world was generous at that time. They can be sent to the Province or the General Curia. Please inform the Province Secretary, Fr. Mauro Iacomelli, through email (curiaofmca@micro.com.gt) or the General Curia Development Fund Director, Jim Perluzzi, (devgen@ofm.org) when funds have been transferred.

CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE SENT:
• by check payable to Curia Generalizia Sviluppo Francescano
• by hand transfer to Istituto per le Opere di Religione,
  00120 Città del Vaticano
  Account LIT 27505-021 OR Account US$ 27505-022
  Frati Minori C. G. - F/ Sviluppo

In any transfer please indicate Central America Earthquake Fund and inform
L'Ufficio per lo Sviluppo - Curia Generalizia dei Frati Minori
Via Santa Maria Mediatrice, 25
00165 Roma, Italia
fax 39 06 638-0292 -- e-mail devgen@ofm.org

To the C.A. Province by bank transfer:

BANK:
BARCLAYS BANK PLC.
1111 BRICKELL AVENUE, 30 FLOOR
MIAMI FL.. 33131
TELEPHONE +1 (305) 533-3333
TELEX : 49689613
ABA CODE. 066010746
SWIFT: BARCUS3M

TO CREDIT: BANCAFE INTERNATIONAL BANK , LTD.
ACCT. NO. 010062381
SPECIFY: FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO ACCT. 11392010062381
BENEFICIARY: ASOCIACION FRAILES FRANCISCANOS

Alternatively you might send a check in US Dollars made payable to:
Asociacion Frailes Franciscanos
Mail the check to: CURIA FRANCISCANA
CODE 613
P.O. BOX 661447
MIAMI SPRINGS, FL. 33266
U.S.A.