Bishops’ Conference President and Domestic Justice Committee Chairman Express Sorrow, Urge Prayer and Support, After Deadly Tornadoes Hit Alabama and Damage Other States in the Southeast

March 6, 2019

WASHINGTON—After tornadoes killed more than 20 people in Lee County, Alabama, and caused destruction in Georgia and surrounding states over the weekend, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice, FL, Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, expressed sorrow for those in mourning and encouraged hope and generous support at the beginning of the Lenten season.

The full statement follows:

"It is with heavy hearts that we continue to learn about the destruction in Alabama and Georgia from tornadoes over the weekend. At the time of this writing, there are 23 confirmed dead in Alabama, including three children, many more missing, and miles of destruction of homes and communities. We offer prayers for the victims and their grieving families and friends. Now is the time to offer assistance in any way we can to those facing great difficulties. One way to do this is by donating to Catholic Charities and other organizations that are working to provide emergency needs, and to help rebuild. Our hope, in this Lenten season, as always, is in the Lord of life who has conquered death. May the Lord grant eternal rest to those who have died, and may the Holy Spirit work through all of us to give comfort to those who are grieving with generosity and love."

Donations can be made to Catholic Charities USA at https://catholiccharitiesusa.org.

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Keywords: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Bishop Frank Dewane, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Alabama, Georgia, tornado, assistance, Catholic Charities, emergency aid, Lenten season

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