On the Response of Catholics to Hurricane Michael

"The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee was hit hard by Hurricane Michael, the fourth-strongest hurricane to make landfall in the United States. In addition to the devastating property loss suffered by parishioners, seven parishes and a school sustained severe damage.

One church, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico Beach, was destroyed. As locals try to pick up the pieces, the Catholic community is mobilizing to provide relief.

At least 35 people are known to have died as a result of the Category-4 hurricane, with 25 of the lives lost in Florida. Ten more people died in Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

The storm exacted a massive economic cost, as well, with analysts assessing the total economic cost at between $30 and $40 billion, ABC News reported Oct. 19. And Mexico Beach was one of the hardest-hit communities, with many of its homes completely demolished by the windstorm.
Sharmane Adams, the director of communications for the Pensacola-Tallahassee Diocese, told the Register that just days after Hurricane Michael, Bishop William Wack traveled to the affected areas, including Our Lady of Guadalupe. Another diocesan employee, Rob Bennett, the director of construction and properties, described the bishop's reaction to the devastation.

A recent National Catholic Register article reported on the Hurricane Michael's effect on the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and on the response by the diocese and the greater Church.

To access the complete National Catholic Register report, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Hurricane Michael Spurs Catholics to Action (19 OCT 18)

Other media reports:

Catholic News Agency: Florida Catholics rally after Hurricane Michael (17 OCT 18)

Pensacola News Journal: After Hurricane Michael, Pensacola Catholics rally around Panama City church (15 OCT 18)