Flooding in Louisiana: A Statement from Fr. Robert T. Cooper

Dear Friends:

With all of you, I have been following the news of the record-breaking floods in communities north of Lake Pontchartrain and throughout the entire state of Louisiana. It is frightening to see waters rising at such rapid rates and to see rivers overflowing their banks at such a pace. Many people have been traumatized by these events.

In this difficult time, let us assure our brothers and sisters who have been affected by massive rainfall and flooding of our prayers and spiritual solidarity. With you, I thank God for emergency responders, and I pray for their safety. I have no doubt that some people are living in fear and are paralyzed with a sense of hopelessness. As we hold them in prayer, let us also remember those who seek to provide support and counsel. I pray as well for the clergy who will be drawing communities together, praying for the waters to recede and for the success of recovery operations and the labors of city and state officials and public servants who are working tirelessly to restore the flooded areas.

Please know that my heart, along with the hearts of all of the parishioners of St. Benilde Parish, pours out to all those who have been affected in recent days. May God give all of us the strength to meet the days ahead and the hope to see beyond them!