A Message From Bishop M. Traquair
August 10, 2023
Dear Friends:
Like you, I have been stunned by the disastrous fires that have ravaged Lahaina and other parts of Maui and the Island of Hawai’i. As we know all too well in our diocese, wildfires are unpredictable and devastating forces of nature.
I have been in contact with The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick, Bishop of the Diocese of Hawai’i. He reports on the fire in Lahaina:
“It included our church, Holy Innocents, with roots back to a land grant from King Kamehameha V (and responsibility for the “foreigner’s cemetery”). The Sanctuary, vicarage, preschool and office are gone (as is the public elementary school next door).”
I have already directed funds from the Bishop’s Disaster Fund be sent to the Diocese of Hawai’i.
In past disasters, we have been the beneficiaries of a huge outpouring of financial support and prayer. Indeed, it is in our diocesan DNA to do likewise for anyone in need. As we also know, this is the first step in a long journey to recovery. We stand ready to help the diocese of Hawai’i through the phases of this disaster, and I am proud to be able to offer our support now and in the days to come.
I invite you to prayerfully consider giving to one of these funds listed below to help our brothers and sisters in Christ, in their hour of need.
God, you are in the midst of those who suffer
May all affected by natural disasters feel your healing presence.
God, you are in the hands of those who reach out
Help responders in their courageous work.
God, you are in the hearts of those compassionate ones
Whose prayers cry out for their families
Whose prayers cry out for their neighbors
Whose prayers cry out even for strangers
Bless and comfort those who mourn.
God, you are in the still small voice,
The gentle whisper that follows
May our ears always hear
May our hearts always cry out for one another
May our hands always reach out to one another
And may we always walk like you walk
In solidarity with those who suffer
And so reflect your presence and comfort.
Amen.
– Prayer adapted from Catholic Relief Services
