PROVIDENCE — The Most Reverend Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, has announced that he has invited pastors to take up a special collection to assist the victims of Hurricanes Florence and Michael. The images surfacing of the destruction left in the wake of these deadly storms indicates that the needs are great and will be long lasting.
“The devastation caused by the recent hurricanes is unbelievable,” said Bishop Tobin. “I am sure that Catholics in the Diocese of Providence will welcome this opportunity to offer their financial and spiritual support to those whose lives have been upended by these storms.”
Parishes throughout the diocese may choose to hold the special collection on any weekend from now through November 3/4. The combined proceeds of the parish collections will be collected and forwarded to the Catholic Charities USA to assist the victims of these devastating storms.
As of Oct. 15, civil authorities confirmed that 18 people had died but the death toll could go higher as at least 30 people were still missing after Hurricane Michael. More than 250,000 people were still without power and could remain so for weeks.
