On January 7, a series of wildfires broke out in the Los Angeles metropolitan area in California. They have been among the most devastating in the state's history. As of January 11, thirteen people were reported dead and more than 12,000 structures, buildings and homes damaged or reduced to ashes. The images are apocalyptic and devastating.
The fire department operates in heroic conditions fighting fires and seeking the safety of the people. However, weather conditions -especially the so-called "Santa Ana winds" and drought conditions- have favored the spread of the fires, preventing them from being contained.
The communities of Pacific Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst have been the hardest hit areas. In the first two -the most devastated- the fire has been barely contained at 11% and 15% respectively. Thousands of families have been forced to evacuate and seek shelter in shelters or with friends or relatives. In addition, more than 65 Catholic schools have been ordered to evacuate.
The most damaged community has been Pacific Palisades, a privileged neighborhood made up of millionaire mansions on the Pacific coast and home to many celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment. In that area the fire department has reported as of January 11 the burning of 22,600 acres (about 90 km) and 5,300 structures severely damaged or reduced to ashes, among them the Catholic parish of Corpus Christi and its adjacent school.
The consolation of the Church
José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, has gone to the affected regions to celebrate Masses and pray with those affected, bringing words of consolation to the communities. "We are called to be instruments of charity and compassion for those who suffer," the archbishop noted during his homily at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Los Angeles on Jan. 9: "We must be the ones to bring comfort to our neighbors in this time of disaster. And we must stand by their side to help them rebuild and move forward with courage, faith and hope in God," the archbishop said, adding: "We do not know why these disasters occur. But we do know that our Father holds each of our lives in his loving hands.
News of the tragedy reached the Vatican. On January 11, Pope Francis sent a message of closeness to the people and the Archbishop of Los Angeles. In the telegram, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, the Pontiff said he was "saddened by the loss of life and destruction". His Holiness also sends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the affected communities of his spiritual closeness.
Federal, state and municipal authorities have worked together to coordinate efforts in the disaster area. President Joe Biden was in California and due to this emergency, he had to cancel his trip to Italy and a planned audience with Pope Francis.
Grants and donations
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Catholic Charities have set up programs to help the victims, including the opening of shelters in different parishes of the archdiocese and the installation of collection centers for food, clothing and basic necessities.
Donations can also be made online through the official websites of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (Archdiocese of Los Angeles) and Catholic Charities of the United States (Working to Reduce Poverty in America - Catholic Charities USA).
