USA: Call for prayers for those in the path of Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton - Wiki lmage

In late September the east coast of America was battered by Hurricane Helene, which killed at least 235 people and left massive damage across six states. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Catholic Charities teamed up with local churches to distribute much needed basic supplies and services to members of the community recovering from the storm.

The same region is now bracing itself for what meteorologists say could be the most destructive hurricane on record. Hurricane Milton has intensified rapidly in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming a "potentially catastrophic" Category 5 storm. The National Hurricane Center said it expected "devastating hurricane-force winds" as it approaches the coastline tomorrow. Communities near the Tampa Bay area could see up to 15 feet of storm surge, according to hurricane centre forecasts.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans have issued the following prayer:

Prayer for Those in the Path of Hurricane Milton

For our sisters and brothers on the path of Hurricane Milton we pray,

O God,

Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its former quietude; you are still the Master of land and sea.

We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control. The Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster.

During this hurricane season, we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing of time.

O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf, so that spared from the calamities common to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a storm-less eternity awaits us.

Amen.

Bishop Gregory Parkes, from the Diocese of St Petersburg, Florida has decided to close all schools and church buildings until next Monday. The diocese has set up a Disaster Relief Fund. Bishop Parkes said in a message: "As our community faces the threat of another hurricane, we ask you to join us in praying for the protection of lives, homes, and properties of all in the storm's path."

LINKS

Catholic Diocese of St Petersburg: https://gulfcoastcatholic.org/

Catholic Charities: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/