The USCCB is calling on Catholics to pray for those in the United States and Caribbean islands affected by Hurricane Ian. The storm wreaked havoc on the coasts of Florida and the Carolinas last week, claiming the lives of at least 85 and leaving tens of billions of dollars in damages in its wake.
Hurricane Ian quickly became one of the strongest storms to ever hit the US mainland, with gale force winds reaching as high as 150 mph. Videos have been circulating social media platforms showing widespread flooding, electrical fires, and even sudden tornadoes.
USCCB president Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles called for prayers from the faithful in an open statement. The prelate lamented the widespread devastation that has upended the lives of so many in the last five days:
Power outage
Archbishop Gomez then turned his comments towards those who have lost their homes and businesses to the storm. According to Reuters, there were as many as 600,000 homes and businesses without power in Florida as of Monday morning, and an estimated 1.1 million more without power in the Carolinas.
Intercession
The archbishop concluded by praying for the intercession of the Blessed Mother for protection for those in dire straits after this massive storm.
Catholics who pray for victims of hurricane Ian could also seek the intercession of St. Medardus, a patron saint invoked against bad weather. St. Florian would be another worthy choice, as he is invoked against floods and fires. Click here for an excellent prayer for victims of natural disasters from the Jesuit Xavier University.
