(CNS/OSV News): “I am praying for all of you,” Pope Francis said, using his televised Sunday Angelus address to speak directly to the people impacted by the wildfires in Southern California.
“I am close to the residents of Los Angeles County, California, where devastating fires have broken out in recent days,” the pope told thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square on January 12 to pray the Angelus with him.
In a telegram released by the Vatican the previous day, Pope Francis also assured the people of Los Angeles of his prayers as the fires continued to cause death and destruction.
“Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of almighty God, His Holiness sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss,” said a telegram sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, to Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles.
The fires, fueled by dry conditions and warm winds, began on January 7. As of 6.00pm local time January 11, the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office said 16 people had been confirmed dead. More than 150,000 people were ordered to evacuate their homes and thousands of structures, including houses and churches, have been destroyed.
I am close to the residents of Los Angeles County, California, where devastating fires have broken out in recent days
Pope Francis
The telegram to Archbishop Gomez, said, “Saddened by the loss of life and the widespread destruction caused by the fires near Los Angeles, His Holiness Pope Francis assures you and the communities affected by this tragedy of his spiritual closeness.”
“He likewise prays for the relief efforts of the emergency services personnel and imparts his blessing to all as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord,” it said.
Catholics united to support
As deadly wildfires ravage Los Angeles, Catholics are mobilising to help those impacted.
Catholic Charities USA — the official domestic relief agency of the Catholic Church in the US and a member of Caritas Internationalis, the Church’s global network of humanitarian organisations — is now accepting donations to its Los Angeles Wildfire Relief initiative.
“As usual, 100 per cent of the funds raised go directly to our local agencies in the affected areas who are offering emergency and long-term relief to those who have been displaced or are suffering as a result of the wildfires,” Kevin Brennan, the agency’s vice president for media relations and executive communications, told OSV News in a January 9 email.
At least five people have died and more than 137,000 people have been evacuated amid at least five named wildfires. The two largest files, the Palisades and Eaton fires, together encompass more than 27,000 acres and remained uncontained as of midday January 9.
As usual, 100 per cent of the funds raised go directly to our local agencies in the affected areas who are offering emergency and long-term relief to those who have been displaced or are suffering as a result of the wildfires
Kevin Brennan, Catholic Charities USA
Thousands of homes and other structures — including a number of churches, synagogues and other houses of worship — have been destroyed. At least 300,000 properties remain without power.
The blazes, which broke out January 7, have been fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds reaching more than 60 mph, as well as extremely dry conditions that have rendered vegetation quick to burn.
“Our local agency staff are focusing on the safety of their communities and cooperating with emergency management guidance,” Brennan told OSV News. “As soon as it’s safe to do so, they’ll start assessing the damage. Of course, CCUSA stands ready and is preparing to assist with teams of people and financial support.”
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has also created a dedicated relief fund in response to the fires, which the archdiocese said have “deeply affected our schools, parishes, and beloved community members.
“In times of trial, our faith calls us to come together in solidarity to provide hope and healing for those who are struggling,” said the archdiocese on the fund’s website.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has also created a dedicated relief fund in response to the fires, which the archdiocese said have “deeply affected our schools, parishes, and beloved community members
“Our schools and parishes have always been cornerstones of education, faith, and togetherness. Now, they and countless families in our community need your help to recover and rebuild,” said the archdiocese. “Our community is resilient, but together, we can make the road to recovery shorter and brighter. Let us come together to restore hope and offer a helping hand to our neighbors in their time of need.”
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles has urged prayers for all those affected, saying, “My heart goes out to our neighbors who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Let’s pray for them and let’s pray for our firefighters and first responders.”
The archbishop will preside at three Masses this week for first responders and wildfire victims, with two liturgies taking place January 9, one at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles and one at Mission San Gabriel; a third is to be celebrated January 10 at Incarnation Church in Glendale, California. A media advisory issued by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles noted that “locations are subject to change due to the movement of the fires and possible evacuation orders.”
Parishes in the archdiocese have opened their doors to those displaced by the wildfires.
Los Angeles city officials opened a shelter at Sacred Heart Church in Los Angeles, with members of the local St. Vincent de Paul Society handing out supplies, among them children’s clothing and diapers, to displaced persons.
