As wildfires continue to blaze in northern Alberta, churches of all denominations across Canada have been offering prayers and helping relief efforts. More than 100,000 residents of Fort McMurray have fled the inferno—most have lost their homes completely. Bishop Paul Terrio, bishop of St. Paul, said: “Even as we still are all in shock with the wildfire destruction and damage in Fort McMurray, let us give thanks to our Lord and God that, with some 60 to 70,000 people evacuated from the community in a matter of hours, there has been no loss of life.” Thousands of evacuees have been put up in sports and community centers since the crisis started. Archbishop Richard Smith of the neighboring archdiocese of Edmonton requested that special collections be taken up at Masses over the May 7-8 and 14-15 weekends in support of the people of Fort McMurray. Donations are also being collected by the Archdiocese of Toronto through its website (www.archtoronto.org).
Fort McMurray Fire
Show Comments (
)
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
The latest from america
Pope Francis shared that he is experiencing “healing,” specifically “in my soul and my body,” as he reaches the eighth day of the minimum two-month period of rest and convalescence prescribed by his doctors.
With 38 years of experience in overseeing the process of canonization and beatification of saints, Monsignor Robert Sarno offers a deep dive into the world of Catholic relics, including their history, hierarchy and controversy.
Pope Francis continues to be in stable condition and has registered improvements in both breathing and speech, the Vatican said on March 28.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s deft handling of the mercurial U.S. president has sent her approval rating soaring, reaching 85 percent in the latest survey from the newspaper El Financiero.