WINDSOR TERRACE — Bishop Robert Brennan is asking the faithful of the diocese to donate to the victims of recent hurricanes Fiona and Ian.
“We have all seen the painful images of utter devastation and heard of the deaths caused by the recent hurricanes that have affected our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Florida, and the southeastern United States,” Bishop Robert Brennan wrote in a letter to priests of the diocese asking them to organize a special collection.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by these terrible natural disasters,” the bishop added.
Hurricane Fiona brought winds up to 85 mph and more than 20 inches of rain to Puerto Rico on Sept. 18, knocking out water and power on the island. Over 1,000 people were rescued as the storm flooded streets, caused mudslides, and destroyed infrastructure.
On Sept. 23, five days before Fiona dissipated, Hurricane Ian formed, first striking Cuba, and then making landfall in the Ft. Myers, Florida area on Sept. 28, as a Category 4 storm.
Though Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm after wrecking swaths of Florida, it regained strength and regrouped as a hurricane before heading toward South Carolina.
President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration to send federal help before it made landfall in Charleston on Sept. 30.
Residents of Florida and the Carolinas face an estimated recovery cost in the tens of billions of dollars.
As of Oct. 4, at least 100 people were confirmed dead, and more than 1,600 people had been rescued in parts of southwest and central Florida.
In the days after Hurricane Fiona tore through the Caribbean, Pope Francis sent separate telegrams to the presidents of the bishops’ conferences of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, assuring them of his prayers.
Bishop Brennan’s letter stated, “The monies collected will be sent by our Diocese for distribution and direct assistance to the affected by the hurricanes.”
Those who wish to send their checks directly to the diocese can do so.
Checks should be made out as follows:
COMPOSTELA FUND OF THE RC DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN
With the word “Hurricanes” written in the memo
Mail to:
Diocesan Finance Office
310 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY 11215
*This story has been updated.
