Bishop Calls for Prayers to Bring Oil Spill Disaster to Close

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 12:57

LAKE CHARLES – The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, has reiterated his call to not only the Catholic faithful of the Diocese but all people of good will to offer prayers for a swift conclusion to the disastrous oil spill still fouling the waters and coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico. On Tuesday, June 1, Bishop Provost issued the following statement:    “I  ask the people of the Diocese of Lake Charles to join me in prayer for a speedy solution to the present crisis unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of the oil spill.  There has already been a loss of life, and we must pray for the deceased and their families and friends.  Also, we must be aware of the harm that is being done to our brothers and sisters, in the various industries and occupations, reliant on the Gulf for their livelihood.  Finally, the impact to our environment is of unprecedented proportions.  As modern human beings, we tend to place all our confidence in science and technology to solve our problems.  We must never forget God, our heavenly Father, and His power and mercy.  Pray for God’s intervention and the intercession of Our Lady Star of the Sea, especially in this hurricane season, especially now.”     In early May, the Bishop had requested his pastors to include this petition in the response to the disaster:    For the people of our Gulf Coast, harmed by the present oil spill and subject to environmental threat, that the deceased be granted eternal life, that those who mourn be consoled, that our environment be protected, and that we be granted an effective and speedy solution, we pray to the Lord.    Also, the Bishop recommended to his priests that, when allowed by the liturgical calendar, that the celebration of a Mass for Any Need be said for the specific intention of receiving God’s help in addressing this catastrophe.