Article in El Mercurio (daily newspaper of Santiago, Chile) about our church,
March 28, 2010

SHRINE AND BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
  The grotto, which was built in 1908, sustained severe damages. The upper part of the statue of the Blessed Virgin was partially destroyed. The bell-tower is detached from its base and leaning on its side. A number of alcoves with images of Our Lady's apparitions to Bernadette reveal serious cracks and defacement caused by the earthquake. In the Basilica, cracks in the dome and central nave are visible. The main cross atop the dome is now hanging to one side and presents a danger to passers-by on Santo Domingo Street. Large pieces of cement and brick in the residence of the priests and brothers have fallen to the ground. The alcove that enshrines the main statue of the Blessed Mother suffered major damage to several pillars. Several of the magnificent stained glass windows have fallen out and need to be restored by the workshop where they were originally made "Atelier Loire", in Chartres (France). The estimated cost of repairs: $350,000, not counting the costs to repair the stained glass windows.

*** Please Support Our Assumptionist Communites in Chile ***

On his recent three week visit to the U.S., shared an informative and inspiring power point presentation with the communities of the region about the congregation's presence in his country. There are now three communities with the hope of expansion in the near future. In addition, Fr. Peter reported on the Asian Forum gathering of Assumptionists which took place in Manila.

Graciously hosted by the community at Emmanuel House in Worcester, those in attendance heard Fr. Peter briefly mention that the primary objective of his visit was to explore ways in which the Assumptionists in Vietnam may one day collaborate with Assumption College in apostolic initiatives and exchange students with an eye toward establishing a university in the future.

To my Fellow Assumptionists and Friends of the Assumptionists throughout the world

Let me first of all send you greetings and thank you for your concern at this time of national and local catastrophe.

Life continues here in Lota; things are slowly getting back to normal such as the sale and distribution of food. Salaries have been canceled for most workers as well asbenefits for retirees.

In particular, our Assumptionist residence has been evaluated by German experts and local architects and the results are not very encouraging.  The building suffered serious structural  damage on the second floor, especially the northern and southern walls.