Local families wait to hear from loved ones in Mexico

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- St. Patrick's Church in Norristown, Montgomery County is the picture of tranquility Wednesday, but most of its parishioners are deeply disturbed and saddened by the Mexican earthquake, and the horrific news video.

Most members at the church are immigrants from the stricken cities that are the epicenter of Tuesday's 7.1 disaster in Puebla and Mexico City. All the death, injury and mass destruction is the courtesy of Mother Nature.

Church Pastor Father Gus Puleo said, "Hundreds have been telling me that they are very concerned, very worried about their family, their friends, extended family there in Mexico, not just in Puebla, which is more the epicenter of the earthquake, but also in Mexico City."

Christina Montes survived the massive Mexican earthquake of 1985. She remembers that nightmare when thousands were killed, and is thankful for the relatives back home that have all survived this.

Montes said with the help of an interpreter, "I'm very happy to God for all that everyone is fine. But I have such a terrible sadness for everybody else."

Maria Gonzalez is too young to remember 1985, but she was on the telephone with her mother yesterday when the earthquake came from out of nowhere.

Gonzalez said with the help of an interpreter, "The earthquake was very strong. It was even worse than the last one. My father is very sick, and he got scared too."

A Prayer Mass will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. for all the loved ones, who are in harm's way.

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