Brief Katrina Update on FMA situation
Just to keep the news flowing on the unfolding and almost incomprehensible disaster in Louisiana, herewith some 'hard' information from the FMA Provincial, Sr Phyllis, in the area:
Dear Sisters,
Over these past few days we have all felt the grief and uncertainty of our brothers and sisters victimized by the fury of Katrina. As it so often happens, numerous poor persons and their families seem to be the hardest hit by such a tragedy, but our concern and our prayer reaches out to all who suffer because of this catastrophic event. Our Lady has been close to us and to our Salesian confreres with her help and protection. Our Sisters of Marrero and Westwego are all safe as are our Salesian priests and brothers. The Sisters evacuated the area when the mandate was issued and the danger was imminent.
Presently the two communities are staying in Baton Rouge with the mother of Sr. Suzanne Miller as we await the possibility of assessing our situation more closely. The road problems and flooding conditions have made it difficult to find out exactly what the condition of our houses and schools might be. We know that the school of Westwego has water in the basement and several broken windows. The convent also seems to have some minor damage although it remains standing on the piles of brick that support it. We also know that the houses and works of the Salesians have sustained considerable structural damage, especially Shaw High School in Marrero.
I spoke to Sr. Maria Colombo today and she hopes to be able to go to Marrero within the next couple of days to see the situation of our house and schools. It seems that it may take as much as 3-4 months before this zone will be ready to welcome its residents and re-open the doors of the schools as well as other business and institutions. We will keep you informed as we learn more from the Sisters of Marrero. We continue to pray for our Sisters in Miami, who reopened school today after their experience with Katrina. My special thanks to Sr. Pat Roche for her calm and her creativity in guiding the educating community of La Salle through this difficult moment. Thanks also to our Sisters of this community who rolled up their sleeves in helping to get things back to normal as quickly as possible for the young people.
I know that we, together with our communities, faculty and students feel the need to respond somehow to the people affected by the hurricane. Let us use this important moment to educate our young people and their families to be in solidarity with all those affected by this disaster and to respond with prayer and with generosity, even if it might entail some sacrifice. We will send recommendations shortly regarding the best way to direct any funds that our schools and works may raise in the days and weeks ahead. Together let us thank our Lady for the gift of her help and protection. May she also continue to watch over all the victims of this event and inspire many citizens to reach out in generosity and support, bringing the Gospel to birth in word and action for the world to see.
