The World Of Tzu Chi December 2019 (Vol.117)

TZU CHI 117 37 nuns’ opinion, the contributions of the Catholic community to society were materialized in the establishment of schools and hospitals. On the other hand, the contributions of the Buddhist community often went unnoticed. The nuns suggested that Buddhists engage in endeavours that serve the needs of society in order to expand their outreach, inspiring the Master to form the Tzu Chi Foundation as a humanitarian relief organization. The Master’s initial aspiration resonated with Martin, who was moved to tears upon seeing the completed structure, after having had to make numerous trips to Ecuador post-disaster and overcome various obstacles throughout the project. “Following the disaster, Master Cheng Yen learnt of the three nuns who remained loyal to their faith and refused to leave the church after it collapsed in the earthquake, insisting on staying behind in a tent erected next to the remains of the church. The nuns’plight reminded the Master of Tzu Chi’s founding principle, compelling her to urge the volunteers to unite in their efforts to rebuild Canoa’s spiritual centre,” shared Martin. Three years on from that fateful day, Sister Mercedes shared her sentiments at the opening ceremony, besides conveying her gratitude to Master Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi for making the occasion possible. “The church is a material house, but it is also a symbol. It represents rebuilding the church that is within each of us, united,” she commented. Residents of the town of Pedernales raising their brooms triumphantly after concluding the cash-for-work programme to clean up their homes. [Photograph courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation]