Washington D.C., Jun 20, 2010 / 14:59 pm
In response to the recent catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has ravaged wildlife and decimated seafaring jobs for many in the area, the U.S. bishops have started diocesan wide network relief efforts and encouraged Catholics to respond.
Bishop J. Kevin Boland of Savannah, Georgia, who serves as bishop promoter of the Apostleship of the Sea – which provides spiritual assistance for seafarers – urged Catholics to participate in the efforts already underway by the Church to address the disaster.
The prelate announced that the Apostleship of the Sea is setting up a network of diocesan relief efforts along the Gulf Coast and recommended Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese and New Orleans as a starting place for the faithful to get involved.
“It is God’s creation,” Bishop Boland said, speaking of the environment. “He has given it to us to take care of it. We must do all that we can, both as individuals and as a Church and as a community to restore to its proper dimensions and its proper beauty what God has given to us.”
Bishop Boland also offered and encouraged prayers for the victims of the oil rig explosion and their families and for all individuals whose livelihoods have been threatened by the spill. He also urged Catholic to pray for the success of relief and clean up efforts.