US Bishops have offered prayers for the people of Haiti in the wake of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the island nation on August 14, 2021. More than 300 people have been killed and more than 1800 injured, according to the Haitian government, which has declared a state of emergency.
Following news of the earthquake this morning in Haiti and reports of casualties and heavy damage caused to property and the infrastructure by the intensity of the seismic activity, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the bishops of the United States, I wish to express my heartfelt prayers for the people of Haiti who are mourning the loss of loved ones and are suffering from the destruction caused by the earthquake that took place this morning. We offer our prayers to Archbishop Launay Saturné, president of the bishops’ conference of Haiti, and to all those who tirelessly serve the faith communities in Haiti. We stand in solidarity with the Church in Haiti in offering our prayers, in a particular way this weekend as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
“In these moments of continued trial, may you feel the comfort, compassion, and embrace of our Blessed Mother. Our Lady of Perpetual Help, patroness of Haiti, intercede for us!
“Catholics and all people of goodwill may assist in the relief work by contacting Catholic Relief Services. I am grateful to all who can support the relief effort for our brothers and sisters in Haiti.”
Pope Offers Prayers
Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Haiti after praying the noonday Angelus with the faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
“In the past few hours, a strong earthquake occurred in Haiti, provoking numerous deaths, wounding many, and causing extensive material damage,” Pope Francis said. “I want to express my closeness to the dear people hard hit by the earthquake. While I lift up my prayer to the Lord for the victims, I extend my word of encouragement to the survivors, hoping that the interest of the international community to help might move toward them. May the solidarity of all alleviate the consequences of the tragedy! Let us pray together to the Madonna for Haiti. Hail Mary…”
