New Orleans (Fides Service) - It is still difficult to estimate the total damage caused by hurricane Katrina and the second one Rita, fortunately less serious. Mgr John E. Kozar national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States told Fides that “in New Orleans only about a dozen of 140 Catholic parishes were left standing and even the Archbishop had to evacuate his residence and take shelter in another diocese from where he is now directing the work of rebuilding”.
Despite this major catastrophe preparations for Mission Sunday 23 October continue, indeed the tragedy prompted more in-depth reflection according the PMS diocesan director Fr Wayne and his assistant Sr. Judy, a member of the PMS National Council. Sr. Judy, a Sister of the congregation of the Marianites of Holy Cross founded in New Orleans, said the convent where she and 25 other sisters live was flooded. For his part Fr Wayne wanted initially to stay with his parishioners and celebrate Mass but in the end he had to abandon the church taking with him the Blessed Sacrament, a few vestments and the parish registers.
Although the PMS offices, Immaculate Heart of Mary parish church, school and priest’s house were totally devastated Sr Judy and Fr. Wayne have carried on promoting awareness in view of Mission Sunday “Now our people, our children have experienced situations which are daily living conditions for so many poor people in mission countries - said Sr. Judy - . We belong to the Body of Christ and we must teach our children that when one person suffers, all suffer. Now that we are suffering the consequences of this disaster we can appreciate the difficulties of so many people in many parts of the world. Despite our own need we cannot forget the needs in mission territories”. Fr Wayne said “I never actually realised what it meant to be poor until the first day of the tragedy when I had to wait many hours for something to eat”. As Sr Judy and Fr Wayne continue to provide assistance and comfort to flood victims evacuated from New Orleans they are fully supported by PMS offices in neighbouring dioceses.
"In his message for Mission Sunday this year the Pope laid much emphasis on the celebration of the Eucharist and the Mass is the best way to present our needs at the altar. This is why we have launched a campaign of prayer and especially the celebration of Mass. We have had messages of solidarity from PMS national directors in other countries and this was most encouraging. We were moved especially by help coming from Sri Lanka and India, two countries which we helped after the tsunami tragedy. Now they are supporting us with prayer. The poor of Sri Lanka and India are our evangelisers they help us to pray and stay firm in our faith” - said Mgr. Kozar. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 27/9/2005, righe 39 parole 563)