Originally published at National Catholic Register
‘Even when we have been left with little, we still have love to give…’
Editor’s Note: This story originally was published at Angelus News. It is reprinted here with permission.
My heart is heavy for all of you who are suffering because of the wildfires that are still burning in the mountains and along the sea. These days are a trial for our great city and for the family of God here in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
As the firestorm first hit, I offered a series of Masses to pray for you and our neighbors and for the brave men and women working to put these fires out and keep us safe.
It was an emotional experience for me to meet those of you who have lost so much: loved ones and homes, businesses and livelihoods; parishes, schools, and neighborhoods. It makes me deeply sad to see thousands of LA Catholics and other Angelenos living like refugees and displaced persons in their own hometowns.
We are just beginning to understand the magnitude of the destruction and disruption. These fires have reduced people’s worldly possessions and their most precious memories to ashes and left their futures uncertain. Officials
