Providence College is responding to the call for relief in the wake of a devastating tsunami in the Solomon Islands, where several Dominican missions are located and where one alumnus, the Most Rev. Christopher M. Cardone, O.P. ’80 & ’01Hon., serves as bishop of the Diocese of Auki in Malaita.

A powerful undersea earthquake on Monday, April 2, sent waves up to 30 feet high slamming into several villages in the Solomon Islands and other islands in the South Pacific. The death toll is at least 28, with thousands of people left homeless and some villages washed away. Among the areas hit the hardest in the Solomons was Gizo, where Bishop Cardone formerly served as auxiliary bishop.

In Loga, home to Dominican novitiates, Bishop Cardone reported that the house and novitiate of six sister postulants were destroyed, while the brothers’ home—housing five Friar novices—was left standing. In two other low-lying Dominican mission stations, in Nila and Moli, damage was extensive to mission buildings, classrooms, and clinics. There were no immediate reports of injuries to any of the Dominicans serving in the Solomons. 

In an e-mail on Thursday, April 5, to the Very Rev. D. Dominic Izzo, O.P. ’88 & ’05Hon., prior provincial of the New York City-based Dominican Province of St. Joseph, Bishop Cardone—who is a member of the province—said the most urgent need is for food, water, and shelter.

“The work of rebuilding will take a long time, and assessment of damage and a work plan have not been done yet,” said Bishop Cardone.

Providence College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80 is encouraging the College community to pray for the success of relief efforts and to consider making a donation. He noted that several alumni have already begun to send money.

“I am pleased that our alumni have already made donations to Bishop Cardone and the Church in the Solomon Islands. We want to encourage others to follow their lead,” he said.

Donations are being facilitated by the Province of St. Joseph. Checks should be made out to “Dominican Friars,” with a memo noting the donation is for “SI Disaster Relief.” Donations may be sent to: Dominican Mission Office, 141 East 65th Street, New York, N.Y., 10021.

Bishop Cardone said the money would be used at the discretion of the Most Rev. Bernard O’Grady, O.P., bishop of the Diocese of Gizo, and a group called Catholic Church Solomon Islands.