In his recent Apostolic Letter, Patris corde, Pope Francis told us, “God always finds a way to save us, provided we show the same creative courage as the carpenter of Nazareth, who was able to turn a problem into a possibility by trusting always in divine providence.” These words perfectly capture our experience as a local community after the recent hurricanes affecting Louisiana, Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Each day in the aftermath of the storms, we experienced concrete ways in which we were able to see God working. His providence was seen as we would arrive to give food to someone just as they were sitting on their porch praying that someone would come. At other times, someone would be looking for an unusual item that was being donated at the exact moment they were here looking for it. God provided though the many people who came to volunteer to accomplish each day’s work.
These days have made Pope Francis’ words so clear — God always finds a way to save us, as we seek to cooperate with Him with our whole selves. Although these hurricanes brought with them almost unimaginable devastation, they also brought the gift of seeing how present God is with us.
Read about the experiences of the Sisters serving in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and about the hurricane relief efforts:
http://www.lcdiocese.org/3-news/3051-catholic-charities-is-lifeline-for-hurricane-victims
Prayer for the Recovery of the Diocese of Lake Charles
following Hurricane Laura
Heavenly Father, Who willed that the fallen hut of David be rebuilt; that Your people return from exile to repopulate their lands, rebuild Jerusalem and restore the Temple; that Your Son, Jesus Christ, would be the new temple and that He would build a new Jerusalem, firmly set on the twelve apostles of the Lamb; look, Gracious Creator, upon our devastation now in the Diocese of Lake Charles and along the coast; rouse up in the hearts of many good and faithful workers the courage, perseverance, and fortitude to bring Your task to a successful completion, where what is recovered will give Your name glory and be protected from the onslaught of the Devil; put to flight lethargy of spirit and fortify our wills so that the good works of Your faithful people will be seen as fulfilling Your work; grant us understanding, God of all light and reason, so that we will comprehend Your ways and see in every suffering and tribulation an occasion to embrace Your will and grow in love for You. Grant, loving Father, through that same Jesus Christ, our Lord, all these prayers by the intercession of Our Lady Star of the Sea, You, who live and reign in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
The Most Reverend Glen John Provost
Bishop of Lake Charles
On the occasion of Hurricane Laura
August 27, 2020
