August 29 marks the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which left a terrible devastation in its wake. We vividly recall the images of disaster: The tragic loss of life and destruction of property which continue to move our hearts to compassion. The devastating movement of the waters caused by Hurricane Katrina, however, were overshadowed by the tremendous movement of human solidarity as people from all over our nation, and even beyond, came together to bring hope and healing to those whose lives were so severely impacted by the hurricane.
In spite of the graphic images of loss, we witnessed a tragedy which brought out the very best in people. From different parts of our nation, compassionate people opened their homes to victims from the most affected areas " Louisiana and Mississippi " providing not only a shelter, but a loving and caring atmosphere in a temporary home. Furthermore, emergency relief funds were collected from churches, schools and civic organizations which reflected a spirit of solidarity, generosity and genuine concern.
At the same time, we were amazed at the grace of God at work within the men, women and children who so courageously struggled against the storm and its aftermath. In the face of temptation to despondency and despair, although many lost all that they owned, many did not lose heart. God sustained these families and individuals with a renewed strength and an unwavering hope. Only God could inspire such a magnificent faith which could dispel the darkness of despair. Banding together, and supported by so many generous people, those affected by the storm seek, not only to rebuild their homes and communities, but also to build the City of God in our world.
Current Reality
Newspapers, magazines and television continue to keep the nation informed of the current reality in the New Orleans area, as well as those areas of Mississippi where the hurricane caused the most damage. Much has been accomplished. However, in spite of the outpouring of solidarity and generosity, recovery in some communities has been very slow.
Last year, soon after Hurricane Katrina struck, a nation-wide collection was conducted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. An astounding $130,000,000 were collected. The Bishops of the United States remain deeply grateful for the extreme generosity of the People of God for this enormous amount which was dispersed through Catholic Charities USA. However, these funds were quickly and completely exhausted by the immediate humanitarian needs which had to be urgently addressed.
In a recent bulletin issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, several stunning statistics enable us to comprehend the ongoing needs of these storm-ravaged communities. The Archdiocese of New Orleans, for example, estimates $52,000,000 in uninsured flood damage to buildings which the Archdiocese is attempting to reopen now. Added to this, another $70,000,000 in uninsured flood damage to other buildings for which reopening must be delayed. The Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi reports that 428 of the 433 Church-owned structures were severely damaged or destroyed. The damage is estimated at $70,000,000, only half of which is covered by insurance.
The structures which are referred to in this report are parish buildings, churches, schools, rectories, institutions which were part of the very fabric of the daily lives of the Catholic people in Louisiana and Mississippi. In a time of grief, devastation and upheaval, people need the comfort and strength which flow from the stability of their parishes. Sadly, because of the vast destruction, the Church, which is so dedicated to aid and relief of the suffering, is in need of aid and relief as well.
Frequently, the Church appeals to the faithful for prayers as well as for monetary sacrifices. Such appeals are made, on the local level, for the needs of Archdiocesan institutions and programs, and on the universal level for the support of the works of the Holy Father, for the Church's evangelizing work in the missions, and, quite often, for the relief of those affected by natural disasters.
The painful situation in Louisiana and Mississippi remains very close to the heart of the Church. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has agreed unanimously to conduct another nationwide collection to bring further aid and relief to the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Diocese of Biloxi. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, this special collection will be held on the weekend of September 23-24. More information will be provided through your pastors in the near future. I am confident that the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will support this important collection, rallying in the spirit of generosity which brought urgent relief last year. The Archdiocese raised over $2,800,000 for hurricane relief last year, and, as noted, the pressing needs of the current reality move us to respond once again to aid the Church's mission in rebuilding the lives of our suffering brothers and sisters. Saint Paul so clearly and concisely explained the motivation for our concern based on our unity as members of the Church, as members of the Body of Christ: "But God has so constructed the body…that the parts may have the same concern for one another. If one part suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy" (1 Cor 12: 25-26).
Pope Benedict XVI, in his first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, reminded the world of the transforming power of love. The Holy Father also reminded every member of the Church that charity is the responsibility of the Church. "Love of neighbor, grounded in the love of God, is first and foremost a responsibility for each individual member of the faithful, but it is also a responsibility for the entire ecclesial community at every level: from the local community to the particular Church and to the Church universal in its entirety" (no. 20).
As the world is torn asunder by unspeakable violence, as so many people are suffering because of intolerance, bigotry and oppression, charity remains the only way in which we convince others of the truths of what we believe. "God is love," declared Saint John. "The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth" (1 Jn 3: 16-18). The authentic demonstration of faith underlined by charitable works has the ability to convince others of the genuineness of our witness. Especially in such times of need, when we live in solidarity the faith, hope and charity which we profess, we show others the love of God. We show others mercy.
The devastating wake of Hurricane Katrina has changed the lives of many people. For those who are suffering, as well as for those moved by compassion, the flood waters continue to stir a charity both life-giving and heroic. As the Bible assures us in the Song of Songs: "Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away" (Sng 8: 7).
