I have been looking for the Scripture that will speak to the damage, even catastrophic damage, pain and suffering that Hurricane Ida caused as it crashed into southeast Louisiana. As I write this message many today are without water, gasoline, power, even sewage and some are even hard to reach with the emergency aid they need. I hope by the time you read this at least the emergency aid is arriving to those so desperate even if full restoration is weeks, months, maybe years away.

Historic Hurricane Ida and its wind gust of more than 150 miles per hour created widespread damage throughout southeast Louisiana.

Twenty years later, the memories of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America may still evoke a range of emotions, as thousands of lives were lost within minutes when planes crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Bishop Reflects on Time in Diocese

Principals will contact parents directly with information about reopening of schools. The following schools have already resumed classes: St. John Interparochial (Iberville) Catholic of PC (Pointe Coupee St. Jude the Apostle (Baton Rouge)

To love Christ is to go through the process of embracing the cross to grow into loving everything there is to love about Christ...This week, ask yourself in what areas of my life can I grow to love to produce more supernatural fruits? What hinders me from experiencing God and neighbor more fully?

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge will be opening when each is able, according to Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Melanie Palmisano. Three have already opened and several other schools, especially those in East Baton Rouge Parish, are planning to reopen Tuesday, she said. For schools that sustained damage reopening may be at least two weeks away.

We have had a very hard week here in Southeast Louisiana and it looks to be a long path to put our cities back together.