As California’s deadly Camp Fire continues to rage out of control, Sacramento Bishop Jaime Soto is offering prayers and words of consolation to the thousands of people in his diocese who have been impacted by the blaze.
“The tremendous loss from the Camp Fire ravaging parts of the diocese is devastating,” Bishop Soto wrote on November 9. “The families in Paradise and the surrounding communities affected by the fire can rely on the support of our prayers. We also pray for the brave men and women responding to this disaster and battling the fires. May all those who have died in this catastrophic inferno be granted eternal repose in the merciful hands of the Lord Jesus.”
The fire, which has claimed dozens of lives and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, has left many parishes in the direct line of the fire. Paradise, California, located in the hard-hit Butte County area, is the location of St. Thomas More Parish where the church and school managed to survive the blaze. Several other buildings, such as the rectory and Parish Center, were lost, and all parishioners have been evacuated, according to the website.
“I give thanks to the fire fighters and first responders for all they are doing to save our parishioners and the community,” said Fr. Godwin Xavier, Parochial Administrator of St. Thomas More Parish.
The school has been closed and all Masses, confessions and parish activities have been suspended until further notice.
As of today, the Camp Fire is burning across 110,000 acres in northern California and has left 42 people dead and hundreds unaccounted for, making it the deadliest in the state’s history. Strong winds are once again whipping through the area, causing the fire to continue to spread. Firefighters believe this fire will not be controlled until at least the end of the week.
Two other fires, the Woolsey Fire and the Hill Fire, are burning northwest of Los Angeles.
Bishop Soto is asking for the faithful to pray for those impacted by these devastating fires, particularly for those who lost homes, business and loved ones, “that they may find consolation in trusting that God will provide for all they need.”
We are also being asking to pray that the deceased will obtain eternal rest and that those who are missing or are still in harm’s way will be found and protected.
Let us also remember the first responders, firefighters and brave men and women who are battling these fires and helping people to safety, “that they may be kept safe as they work to restore calm and assist those affected by the wildfires.”
“Our Lady of the Rosary pray for all those devastated by this natural disaster and make fruitful our efforts to assist them.”
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