Recovering from Hurricane Ivan

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Hurricane Ivan has been a challenge for all of us in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee for nearly three months now. In addition to the tremendous losses of property and the tragic loss of life from the storm, we have also lost some of the sense of security that we had prior to the storm — a security rooted in what was familiar and dependable.

As we journey through the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan and through this Advent season, I would encourage you to take heart in the coming of the Lord into our lives, as the baby at Bethlehem and at the time of judgment.

Most particularly, take heart at the coming of the Lord into our lives each and every day in the many opportunities that each of us is presented with to act with charity and compassion. It is through following him that we find the only true security.

These pages of The Florida Catholic [Dec. 10, 2004 paper edition] contain an update on the damage that was done to our churches, schools, rectories and other church properties. These are preliminary estimates of losses. Without a doubt, additional damage will make itself known over the next months. As we rebuild and repair, let us keep in mind that it is we, the people of God, who really constitute the church.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ