As we end the 2012 hurricane season, we acknowledge that our region of the Gulf of Mexico was spared the onslaught of storm and destructive weather. Our thoughts and prayers remain with our brothers and sisters in other areas of the Caribbean and along the Atlantic Coast who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. May God assist them in whatever way possible to lighten their burdens. At the recent bishops’ meeting in Baltimore, I spoke to Cardinal Dolan of New York and extended our sympathies concerning the tragedies they had suffered on the East Coast. They were so similar to ours: homes devastated, churches ruined, lives lost, people displaced. Recently we scheduled a collection for the victims of Hurricane Sandy on November 24-25.
Closer to home, we were very concerned about the people in the New Orleans area affected by Hurricane Isaac. You will recall that we requested a second collection for their needs in late September. These funds will be remitted to the Archdiocese of New Orleans and its Catholic Charities to assist with the victims and prevailing needs as a result of the storm.
Every year we gather as a Diocese at the Shrine of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Cameron to pray that our Heavenly Father will spare us during the coming hurricane season. As we complete yet another year, we should raise our voices in thanksgiving. I ask you to join me in doing so. In your Masses, rosaries, daily prayers, and sacrifices, let us acknowledge God’s providential care and offer Him heartfelt thanks.
With blessings to you and your families, I remain
Sincerely yours in our Lord,
+Glen John Provost
Bishop of Lake Charles
Sincerely yours in our Lord,
+Glen John Provost
Bishop of Lake Charles