BRAZIL, mda. This Sunday, the tragic news flew around the world that in the early hours of Sunday morning at least 245 people died in a tragic fire at a club in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Santa Maria Police confirmed the final number of people, who lost their lives, but rescue operations continue at the scene of the accident and the local hospitals are still working to save lives. Santa Maria is the home of the Tabor Shrine, internationally known within the Apostolic Schoenstatt Movement as the birthplace of the Rosary Campaign.
More than 1,000 people, mostly youth were at the club. “I think about our young people in Santa Maria, Brazil…many of them could have been at this club,” wrote Carmen Rogers from Santiago, Chile.
We pray for all the victims, for those who lost their lives, for those who were injured, and are in a critical condition, for the parents, friends, doctors, and the rescue team at the scene, where it is likely that once upon a time the Servant of God João Pozzobon passed by with the Original Pilgrim Mother…
A candle will be lit in the Original Shrine today, in prayer and solidarity with all of the residents of Santa Maria.
Translation: Sarah-Leah Pimentel, Johannesburg, South Africa
I too am saddened by this tragedy and storming the heavens for the lost lives and families suffering the pain. I’ve walked in Deacon John’s footsteps, and loved every min. in Santa Maria, God bless the victims lost.