A Special Message From Bishop Hurley

The light shines in the darkness

September 1, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The past days and weeks have touched our hearts, as we are in the midst of converging humanitarian
crises in our nation and around the world. It seems that everywhere we turn, we are met with hopeless
conditions — severe storms and flooding in Louisiana and beyond; the crisis in Afghanistan and tragic
loss of life there; the deadly earthquake in Haiti; continued affliction and loss from COVID-19.

With great suffering, we can easily be enveloped by despair and hopelessness. Of ourselves, you and
I cannot solve the world’s problems, but the good news is that we have a relationship with the one
who can. So, take heart, for we are not without hope. The very Spirit of him who raised Jesus from
the dead dwells within us, and no darkness can ever snuff out the light.

As followers of Christ in these trying times, let’s not withdraw from the pain we see and experience,
or be overwhelmed with fear or bitterness. Instead, in the face of suffering, the Lord invites us to rely
on him and rise to the challenge set before us to be a people of prayer, charity and hope. Let us mourn
with those who mourn, provide food, shelter and help to those in need, and pray unreservedly. We
were created for nothing short of this — to be bearers of light in times of darkness.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Walter A. Hurley
Apostolic Administrator