Archbishop Kurtz Sends Prayers and Support to People and Bishop of West Virginia

 WASHINGTON—Following the devastation and deaths caused by recent flooding in West Virginia, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed prayers and support to Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia, June 27.  

Donations to assist those affected are being channeled through Catholic Charities West Virginia. More information is available at: https://catholiccharitieswv.org

Full text of Archbishop Kurtz' letter follows.

Dear Bishop Bransfield:

Once again, the suffering of so many calls us closer to the Cross of Christ. With hundreds of homes and businesses impacted by the recent flooding, entire communities in West Virginia have seen their way of life disrupted or destroyed. I entrust those who have died to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and pray all those affected will find strength for the recovery.  

Amid the widespread pain we witnessed after the violence in Orlando and, now, the natural disaster in West Virginia, we also see how such events can draw us closer together as brothers and sisters in need of each other's assistance. Let us praise God for the generosity shown in response to all of this suffering. Whether the tragedy is man-made or a natural disaster, the Church in the United States stands ready as a field hospital to help bind the spiritual and material wounds.

Thank you, Bishop Bransfield, for the healing witness being offered by the Church in West Virginia. Rest assured of not only my continued prayers, but also of my inviting the faithful across the country to support the life-saving work of Catholic Charities wherever tragedies may strike.

Fraternally yours in our Lord,

Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D.
Archbishop of Louisville and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

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Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Supreme Court, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, Bishop Bransfield, West Virginia, Catholic Charities, flood, tragedy

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