California fires leave region scarred, unsettled; prayers, aid sought

Published: 2003-10-29

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- With thousands of homes destroyed and at least 18 people killed in Southern California wildfires, religious leaders offered support and prayers and asked others to do what they can to aid fire victims. At Holy Cross Church in Moorpark, what was planned as a 10th anniversary celebration of the dedication of the church Oct. 26 became a much quieter, perhaps more prayerful, gathering. "People gathered outside after Mass for coffee and doughnuts, and to support each other," explained Msgr. Joseph Cosgrove, pastor of the east Ventura County parish, the scene of some of the worst Southern California brush fires in a decade. "People wanted to be with one another, to find out how they were, to let them know they could count on each other for help." It was a similar story at churches and schools elsewhere in Southern California as brush fires in late October killed at least 18 people and destroyed 2,000 or more homes. Across the border in Ensenada, Mexico, two people were killed before wildfires were brought under control.

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