New Orleans archbishop urges Catholics to recognize God's presence

Published: 2006-01-03

NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans urged Catholics in his archdiocese to recognize God's presence "in the midst of tragedy, loss and anguish." "God is already shining light on our darkness," he wrote in his Christmas column that appeared in the Dec. 24 edition of the Clarion Herald, archdiocesan newspaper. "In this post-Katrina time we are encountering a terribly dark period in our history. So much devastation still seems to overshadow the recovery and restoration. Significant sections of our city still lie in darkness," he wrote. In this context, he noted that the words of the prophet Isaiah -- about the people who have walked in darkness and seen a great light -- take on new meaning. "In the midst of tragedy, loss and anguish, God is indeed present," the archbishop wrote. "He is enlightening and strengthening us to engage in the challenging work of recovery, restoration and rebuilding."

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