Pope presents special chalice to show solidarity with Katrina victims

Published: 2008-04-17

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- At the end of his remarks to the U.S. bishops April 16, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged "the immense suffering endured by the people of God" in the New Orleans Archdiocese because of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The pope also praised "their courage in the challenging work of rebuilding" in the aftermath of the storm. As a sign of his "prayerful solidarity" with the faithful of the archdiocese, he presented a special chalice to Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans. The presentation came in the crypt church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It followed a vespers service and the pope's address. Pope Benedict said the chalice also was a sign of his "personal gratitude for the tireless devotion" that Archbishop Hughes and retired Archbishops Francis B. Schulte and Philip M. Hannan have shown "toward the flock entrusted to their care." The gift of the chalice was "a complete surprise" to the New Orleans church leaders, archdiocesan spokeswoman Sarah Comiskey told Catholic News Service April 17.

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