The death and devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti has saddened the world. The Vatican has confirmed that the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, the Most Reverend Joseph Serge Miot, was killed in the offices of the archdiocese when the earthquake struck. That building, along with the cathedral, archbishop’s residence and the seminary in Port-au-Prince were all reduced to rubble. [Read more…]
Your marvelous response for the suffering people of Haiti
I am delighted and overwhelmed at the magnificent response of Catholics of the Diocese of Dallas to our appeal for the victims of the tragic earthquake that struck Haiti. The special collection resulted in over $740,000 in donations. There has never before been such an outpouring of generosity and love through a special collection for our brothers and sisters who have lost so much. The collection exceeded the special collection for Hurricane Katrina by $200,000.
Such generosity will be a blessing for the people of Haiti but it will also be a blessing for those who opened their hearts and their checkbooks.
My heartfelt thanks.
A Response to the Tragedy in Haiti
The death and devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti has saddened the world. The Vatican has confirmed that the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, the Most Reverend Joseph Serge Miot, was killed in the offices of the archdiocese when the earthquake struck. That building, along with the cathedral, archbishop’s residence and the seminary in Port-au-Prince were all reduced to rubble.
I ask the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of Dallas to join me in praying for all those who lost their lives, the injured and their families. Let us pray that the world responds quickly with aide to this poor, ravaged country. A special collection will be taken up in Catholic churches around the country the weekend of January 17 and I ask all of our parishes to participate so that the Diocese of Dallas may support our Haitian brothers and sisters during this overwhelming tragedy. To donate online please click here, scroll down to One-Time Payment and in the box marked “Other” specify Haitian Earthquake Relief.
May God bring comfort and courage to the people of Haiti in this, their time of tremendous need.
Open Your Hearts and Your Pocketbooks for the People of Haiti
Pictures and reports from Haiti following yesterday’s catastrophic earthquake reflect unimaginable devastation and human suffering. The estimate of hundreds-of-thousands of deaths makes it one of history’s most tragic events. International aid is having difficulty reaching the Haitian people because of the extent of the damage.
It is estimated that about 80 percent of the population of Haiti is Catholic.
Among the dead is Archbishop Joseph Serge Minot of Port au Prince who died at his desk when the chancery was destroyed along with the cathedral and the seminary. Over 100 priests and seminarians reportedly were killed when the building where they were on retreat collapsed.
We share the anguish of our suffering brothers and sisters. Catholic agencies are mustering to provide aid to alleviate the suffering, but there will be much help needed to rebuild the devastated land.
I have directed that a special collection be taken up this weekend at all Masses in the diocese to assist the people of Haiti.
Open your hearts and your pocketbooks. Be generous with your prayers and your contributions