Today, I ask the good people of this diocese to open their hearts to our brothers and sisters to the south of us who are still experiencing the devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew.

Severe flooding brought on by swollen rivers continues to cause problems here in parts of the United States. Many people, even in inland communities, have been forced out of their homes and at least 20 people have lost their lives. The island nation of Haiti once again faces hardship, disease and untold loss of life. More than a million Haitians are desperate for humanitarian help which now includes warnings of a cholera crisis. Our Office of Social Ministry is in close contact with our Haitian partners and monitoring developments carefully, especially in the Diocese of Hinche, our sister diocese.

I have invited all parishes to hold a special second collection to help with relief efforts in the U.S. and in Haiti within the next few weeks. Your contributions will be divided, with 75 percent going to Catholic Relief Services for humanitarian aid to Haiti and 25 percent assisting relief efforts in our country through Catholic Charities USA.

Please join me in praying for all those who have lost their lives or are coping with the loss of loved ones and homes, and for our emergency responders working to assist all in rescue and recovery efforts. Let us ask for the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Patron Saint of Haiti, to strengthen and protect those most in need.

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