Bishop Anthony B. Taylor has authorized a special collection at all Masses May 25-26 to aid the victims of recent tornadoes in Oklahoma. Para leer la carta del obispo en español, oprima aquí.
In his letter, he wrote, "A series of tornadoes hit Oklahoma on May 19 and 20. The worst one, a monster tornado, struck the town of Moore, leaving in its path the death and destruction that we have all seen on TV. I experienced the devastation of similar tornados that hit Moore and Oklahoma City in 1999 and 2005 and I can tell you from experience that no televised images can fully convey the profound sense of loss, disorientation, grief and fear of those who have so suddenly lost loved ones or have suffered grievous injuries, whose sense of safety and security is so thoroughly shattered — especially children — and who have lost the mementoes and work of a lifetime.
"Whenever a tornado, a hurricane or any type of natural disaster inflicts harm on a community and disrupts peoples’ lives, we rely on Catholic Charities USA’s Disaster Operations to act in our name. They coordinate the Catholic community’s response to domestic disasters and make grants to local Catholic Charities disaster response efforts.
"This weekend I am asking all the parishes in our diocese to take up a special collection for Catholic Charities USA’s Disaster Operations. These funds will be used for immediate emergency needs, long-term rebuilding, and for the pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church in Oklahoma and wherever else disaster may strike.
"On behalf of Catholic Charities USA and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — and as a former priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City very familiar with the areas devastated by last Monday's F-5 tornado — I am grateful for your support and assure you and your family of my prayers. I also ask for your prayers for the people of Moore and Oklahoma City who are still reeling in the face of such grievous losses."
