USCCB President Calls for Prayers, Perseverance as Hurricane Irma Approaches Mainland

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued the following statement as Hurricane Irma makes its way toward Florida. In his statement, Cardinal DiNardo calls for prayer for all those who are in the path of Irma as well as first responders and those who have been evacuated.   

Full statement from Cardinal DiNardo follows: 

"As the people off the Gulf Coast just begin to sift through the damage brought by Hurricane Harvey, our nation, tragically, must attempt to comprehend the approach of Hurricane Irma. People in the Caribbean and U.S. Virgin Islands have already felt Hurricane Irma's full force. Florida is now in the grips of this approaching devastating storm.

As Irma moves rapidly toward Florida, we lift up in prayer all of those who may be impacted, asking almighty God to guide the steady hands of first responders and to widen the hearts of all who are able to be generous to neighbors facing danger, grief, or displacement of any kind due to the disaster.

St. Paul referred to our journey of faith as a race to be run (1 Cor. 9:24-27). At a time like this, when our endurance is tested, we implore God to direct us to yet unknown reserves of strength and human compassion for those suffering so deeply. May our manifestations of love and solidarity be lasting signs in the midst of this crisis. 

As with Hurricane Harvey, the USCCB will be working closely with affected local dioceses, Catholic relief entities and with other organization to assess the needs on the ground and offer assistance. More information about how best to direct material support will be forthcoming.

Let us join in prayer for those who are in the path of Hurricane Irma and may God bless and protect you."

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Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, crisis, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Harvey, Florida, St. Paul, natural disaster.

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