Holy Family Sisters recommit to New Orleans poor after hurricane

Published: 2006-08-08

NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- Despite being hit by the "full force" of Hurricane Katrina, the Sisters of the Holy Family of New Orleans pledged to continue their work for the poor there and challenged civic leaders "never to commit the errors and the misjudgments of the past" as they rebuild. About 100 members of the order recommitted themselves to work among the poorest of the poor at their quadrennial general chapter in New Orleans in July. "Today, we Sisters of the Holy Family find ourselves at a place in time similar to that of our foundresses" Henriette Delille, Juliette Gaudin and Josephine Charles in the early 20th century, they said in a "post-Katrina declaration" approved at the general chapter. "The sufferings and ills of today may have a different face, but the pain is as intense and severe as during their day," they said. Seven of the nine institutions -- orphanages, schools and homes for the aged and infirm -- operated by the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans were completely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina last year, with losses estimated at more than $18 million.

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