Preventative Prayers

The month of June marks the start of hurricane season. In Central Florida, Catholics and non-Catholics joined together for some special storm preparations. The Orlando Sentinel reports that Bishop Thomas Wenski offered a mass for the intention of keeping hurricanes at bay this season.

Weather, natural disasters and faith were threads woven through the service, sometimes lightheartedly. Rain was falling, and Wenski suggested than an appropriate hymn might be "Singin' in the Rain."

As he began the service, Wenski prayed: "Today, as we begin a new hurricane season, we unite in prayer asking God to avert any storms from inflicting harm on us or our loved ones...We ask the Lord to keep those hurricanes as far away from us as possible, and that he keep us as close as possible to him."

Should disaster strike, the Bishop reminds us that hurricanes are not "the wrath of God", and to look for the silver lining.

One of the good things that came out of last year's hurricanes, Wenski said, was a greater sense of community and generosity to others, including tsunami victims.

"Wenski was unwilling to predict the exact outcome of the hurricane Mass," the report concludes.

May the prayers of Central Florida be answered. Amen.