Autom

On August 23, 2005, Hurricane Katrina formed over the Bahamas, touching down in southern Florida and six days later in southeast Louisiana, causing severe destruction and death, due in large part to the catastrophic failure of the levee system in New Orleans. By August 31, 2005, 80% of New Orleans and surrounding areas suffered flooding from waters that took weeks to recede. Katrina has become the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, responsible for the deaths of over 1,800 people and property damage in excess of $80 billion over 90,000 square miles.

Hurricane Katrina displaced over 1 million people in the largest diaspora our country has ever experienced. Thousands of displaced residents in Mississippi and Louisiana are still living in trailers, and over 100 persons are missing to this day. Over 70 countries responded with aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina, as did the Red Cross and many faith based organizations, notably the Salvation Army, which raised over $350 million to serve almost 2 million people in the year following the disaster.

Join all of us at Autom in prayer:

"Dear God, there are few sorrows as great as the loss of loved ones, home, and livelihood. Yet this is what Your beloved people of Louisiana, Florida, and the surrounding regions endured in the assault of Hurricane Katrina five years ago. Even so, we thank You, Father, for the many who did survive, thanks to the efforts of countless emergency workers, public safety employees, and volunteers. Thank You for the comfort and assistance brought through the prayers and donations of millions of Americans and of people all over the world. Thank You for all those who opened their homes to the refugees of this disaster, and for those who continue to serve them.

O Father, we cry for mercy from Your compassionate Heart to touch even now the hearts of all persons affected by this tragedy. Let them feel Your deep love, Your consolation, and Your embrace. Encourage them with Your strength and renew their hope as they rebuild their lives, their homes, and their families. Especially send Your grace upon all those who lost loved ones in this calamity. Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary and good Saint Joseph, pour out Your love on all the departed, and bring them to Your eternal home.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen."