HOUSTON (CNS)—As the waters from Hurricane Harvey rose and fell, prayers uttered in Texas ranged from pleas for protection to asking God for the courage to live with charity and great patience, said Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria.

The bishop said after residents saw the wreckage caused by the storm, they experienced suffering and deep sadness, but they also got right to work to help each other.

"The resolve to help one block, one parish at a time continues to be strong," he said.

When the storm began, the bishop kept vigil praying to the Blessed Mother with two Marian devotions: Mary, Star of the Sea and Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

"When the eye of the storm comes, all you can do is pray," he said.

Parishes and schools throughout several dioceses saw some damage, though others opened as shelters.

Across the sodden region, Harvey claimed at least 44 lives, leaving tens of thousands displaced into churches, convention and community centers.

Some experts estimate total losses from Hurricane Harvey would reach $190 billion, equal to Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy’s total combined costs.

Diocese Collecting For Harvey Relief

ROCKFORD— In addition to their prayers, all Catholics in the 11-county Diocese of Rockford have been asked to provide financial support to help relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana.

Bishop David Malloy asked all parishes in the diocese to take up a second collection at Masses Sept. 2 and 3.

Money collected will be used both to support the humanitarian and recovery efforts of Catholic Charities USA, and, to provide pastoral and rebuilding support to all impacted dioceses through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

For those who were out of town during the Labor Day holiday or who were unable to attend Mass in the diocese last weekend, contributions still may be sent to:
Hurricane Harvey Relief
Diocese of Rockford
PO Box 7044
Rockford, IL 61125