"We all work collaboratively as a faith community when things like this happen."
Archbishop Gregory Aymond of the Archdiocese of New Orleans released a letter to clergy to be read before all the Masses this weekend, asking for people's help and prayers.
"We always need to see the face of Jesus in the lives of those in need," he wrote. "Please join me in praying for those who have lost their homes and possessions."
The archbishop added that he was pleased by the "quick response" of Catholic Charities and other groups who were on the scene immediately. Archbishop Aymond is also scheduled to celebrate Mass at Resurrection parish this weekend.
And while it's been devastating, by and large the people are handling it relatively well, Costanza said.
"There was a lady I was talking to in the shelter, and I said, 'What happened?' And she said, 'Well, I heard the tornado coming and God told me to go in the bathroom, so I went in the bathroom and the tornado ripped my roof off.' And she said, 'I listened to God, and I'm glad'," he recalled.
"And she started quoting Scripture to me, and I said, 'I can't believe you're Catholic, you know Scripture so well!' She was spouting off all the Scripture that's been comforting her," he added, laughing.
"So our people are resilient. We've been through this before, we'll get through it."
To find out more about providing assistance for tornado relief efforts, visit: http://www.ccano.org/uncategorized/tornado-recovery-efforts/
Mary Farrow worked as a staff writer for Catholic News Agency until 2020. She has a degree in journalism and English education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.