“I see small steps with regard to recovery, very small, small steps,” said Fabre.
“I'm not saying we're not still in some crisis situation–we are–but you look for the small steps and you celebrate the small ways that God manifests His love for us, His presence with us,” he said.
Fabre said that Catholic Charities from other dioceses–particularly the Diocese of Lake Charles and the Diocese of Lafayette–have been assisting with the clean-up and recovery efforts, along with Catholic Charities USA and his own diocese’s Catholic Charities.
Right now, the priority is getting food and water to people, and meeting other basic needs. He said he was “very, very proud” of the work that has been done in spite of the circumstances.
“And I'm grateful for the support of so many,” he said. “I've had my moments, but we are doing what needs to be done to meet the needs of the people. And we are trusting in the Lord and relying on His mercy.”
Although the physical damage from the storm was extensive, Fabre said that he was “grateful” that unlike in other storms, there was not a widespread loss of life due to Hurricane Ida. Hurricane Ida made landfall on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which killed over 1,500 people.
And despite the significant losses, Fabre explained to CNA that he has been thankful for the outpouring of support his diocese has received. Anyone who wishes to help, he said, can do so by contacting the Catholic Charities of Houma-Thibodeaux, as by praying for the diocese.
“We're grateful for the good people who have come forward to help us,” he said.
“And hopefully there will be more people coming forward to help us because we will need the help. We'll need their prayers and their financial assistance and assistance in helping us to rebuild this really, really beautiful part of the kingdom of God that is the Diocese of Houma-Thibodeaux.”
Christine Rousselle is a former DC Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. Prior to working at CNA, she was the managing web editor of Townhall.com; she has a BA in political science from Providence College.