Letter from the Bishop - September 27, 2004

My dear brothers and sisters,

Hurricane Ivan wreaked havoc all across our diocese on September 16th. In particular, people in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have been most tragically affected. In some parishes, it is estimated that 30-40% of parishioners lost their homes. Few parishes escaped damage to their churches, schools, and rectories; some damage is catastrophic. On top of the tremendous toll that Ivan took on our church and its members is the human calamity that the storm has visited on the poorest people of our region — people who were living on or near the edge of homelessness even before Ivan hit.

We thank God for the tremendous outpouring of assistance that has already come to our area from local, state and national disaster responders and relief agencies. The needs of the people in coping with and recovering from this tragedy will be deep and long-lasting. As we work through the weeks, months and even years of recovery that lie ahead, we will be called upon many times, and have multiple opportunities, to live our shared faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the midst of tragedy, we must take courage in the knowledge that the Lord is ever present to console and comfort us. In our own needs, we also extend compassion to those who have suffered most and who will continue to experience loss and hardship in the weeks and months to come.

I ask all of the faithful to pray that we may not lose heart, but remain strong in our trust that God's promises to us will be fulfilled. We especially ask that you continue to pray for us, and for all victims of these devastating storms.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ

Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee