Denver Newsroom, Sep 1, 2021 / 16:15 pm
At least one Catholic church in New Orleans has opened its doors to serve as an emergency shelter amid widespread power outages and flooding caused by Hurricane Ida.
St. Francis Xavier Church in Metairie, adjoining New Orleans to the west, opened its doors to serve as an emergency overnight shelter for 34 residents of the seven-story Metairie Towers apartment building across the street, the Clarion-Herald reported.
Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, urged prayers this week for those affected by the disaster.
“I call on people of good will to join me in praying for the safety, well-being, and protection of everyone in these impacted areas. We also pray in a special way for the first responders, health care workers, and emergency personnel who bring relief, comfort, and healing,” Archbishop Gomez wrote.