News and Press

Following revised weather forecasts, a mandatory evacuation has been ordered for Cameron Parish.  Therefore, once more the clergy will evacuate that area, along with their parishioners.

I visited Catholic Charities today at 1225 Second Street. Sister Mary Vianney and one of her staff, Wendy, informed me of developments in the Sabine River area, which is the western-most boundary of our diocese. According to them almost 700 homes have been flooded, and the civil authorities expect over 1,000 homes to take in water following the cresting of the river. In partnership with a number of area churches, Catholic Charities is providing for the victims and their shelters.

LAKE CHARLES -- Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana is currently accepting disaster supplies from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 1225 Second Street.

The weather reports inform us that the Sabine River will crest at approximately 30 feet this weekend.  We are certainly keeping an alert watch for our brothers and sisters to the west.

First, I wish to express the concern of everyone in the Diocese of Lake Charles for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in neighboring Texas.   Our prayers and support, especially through the good services of Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana, will be with them in the weeks and months ahead.

What was left of Harvey’s eye passed over Carlyss very early this morning.   Father Luke reported minimal damage.   As a matter of fact, there was a morning Mass at St. Theresa’s!    The deans and many pastors continue to keep us informed of developments.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) president, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, has called for prayers and solidarity with those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.  Cardinal DiNardo also called on all people of good will to closely monitor future calls for assistance for victims and survivors in the days ahead.
 
Click for Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement.
 

We are closely monitoring the approach of Harvey to the coast.   Authorities tell us that thus far water has not entered the churches in Cameron Parish.   We will know more following Harvey’s landfall sometime Wednesday.

The recent manifestations of violence, racism, and bigotry in Charlottesville, Virginia, as well as related incidents throughout the country, have disturbed us deeply.   We denounce all forms of racial prejudice.  Violence, such as we have seen, has no place in a civilized society, much less one rooted in Judeo-Christianity. We must keep before us the teaching of our Lord admonishing us to forgiveness and to love of neighbor, even our enemy.  

There must be a return to our Lord. We have nothing to fear when our hearts and minds are oriented to the truth of what He taught. God created us in His image and likeness, He loves us, and, to paraphrase St. Augustine, our hearts will remain restless until they rest in Him. The world, threatened by war, famine, civil unrest, and the disintegration of society, also needs the example of those who pursue peace and seek to live in accord with God’s will. 

We pledge our prayers and support to the victims of violence, pray for an end to racial hatred, and work for the elimination of inflammatory rhetoric that distorts the truth. And while we embrace these worthy goals, let us recall that peace and reconciliation begin with us. We cannot expect of others what we are not willing to live ourselves. 

Remember the words of Pope St. John Paul II, who echoed our Lord, “Be not afraid.”  Let us be encouraged to live in virtue and the pursuit of goodness.