On August 29, Hurricane Katrina crashed onto the shores of the Gulf Coast, bringing devastating winds of over 160 miles per hour. Stories of the tragedy were quickly spread through the country, but many stories were left untold: Stories of strength, survival, and hope.

Fr. Mike Amesse, O.M.I., along with Fr. Tony Rigoli, O.M.I., were at the Shrine of St. Jude in New Orleans when the storm hit. “It was apocalyptic,” said Fr. Mike. “Suddenly, New Orleans became a third world country. You could see people in the streets, stranded, with a look of utter hopelessness. You could see it in their eyes.”

Through constant communication with the police station across the street from the shrine, the Oblates began to understand the severity of the situation. They decided to flee. A police officer drove them over the river, and they left New Orleans on foot. Fortunately, they received assistance from two Jesuits at a retreat house.
They gave Fr. Mike and Fr. Tony a car, which they used to drive to an Oblate retreat house near Houston, Texas, where they arrived on Friday, September 2.
“It felt so good to make it to the retreat house. I was happy to finally be in a safe place.”

Of course, Fr. Mike soon learned that many other refugees were arriving in Houston, just ten miles away from the retreat house.

“We switched gears quickly. At first, I wanted to pick up some food and water and bring it back to the people who needed it in New Orleans. But when we found out about all of the other refugees here, we knew they needed our help.”
Fr. Mike, Fr. Tony, and Bro. Profirio Garcia, O.M.I., traveled back and forth daily into Houston to provide support and spiritual presence to the survivors.

“The atmosphere is very positive. Things are well-organized. People are receiving clothes, good food, and there are plenty of doctors for people who need assistance.”

Fr. Mike wants to bring the Sacraments back to the people. “There’s a real need for the Sacraments, especially for the people who have lost everything. Apart from just being among them, there’s a real need for Mass.”
After only being in Houston for a week, Fr. Mike hopes to begin Mass on the upcoming weekend. If he succeeds, there may be many more familiar faces in attendance.

“Many people from the parish and the community around St. Jude’s are here. In just about every newscast, there’s probably at least one St. Jude parishioner in the background. Because of the nature of the church, many people here recognize me, but do not know my name. Fortunately, this is a good chance to speak with them. At a time like this, people are happy just to speak with other people they know.”
“A lot of people talk about the same thing: Someone close to them is missing, and they don’t know what to do.”

During the time of rehabilitation and healing, Fr. Mike will continue serving where help is most needed by the survivors. And once the green light is given, he will happily return to his home, New Orleans.

“There’s a lot of work to do, but I am hopeful. People are coming together because of this event. It’s a real time of prayer.”

The Missionary Oblates take this opportunity to thank the people who have lent their support, physical and spiritual, to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We continue to pray for the deceased victims, the survivors, and for the rebirth of the devastated areas.