WASHINGTON – As Hurricane Melissa continues its devastating course through the Caribbean, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), urged Catholics to pray for and support the people and communities impacted by the Category 5 hurricane.

“Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history, has made landfall in Jamaica, had an impact in Haiti, and prompted the evacuation of hundreds of thousands in Cuba. As Hurricane Melissa affects the Caribbean region, families face severe risk of flooding, landslides, displacement, and infrastructure damage with few resources to respond. Our brothers and sisters in small island nations like Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti are the most vulnerable to the impact of such strong storms, often intensified by a warming climate. The Church accompanies, through prayer and action, all people who are suffering. I urge Catholics and all people of good will to join me in praying for the safety and protection of everyone, especially first responders, in these devastated areas. Let us stand in solidarity by supporting the efforts of organizations already on the ground such as Caritas Haiti, Caritas Cuba, and Caritas Antilles, as well as Catholic Relief Services, which are supplying essential, direct services and accompaniment to those in need.”

Catholics and all people of good will can support the urgent and ongoing relief efforts and long-term recovery work of Catholic Relief Services, the official international aid organization of the Catholic Church in the United States.