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San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller visited Kerrville, Texas, to offer support and prayers following severe flooding that resulted in significant loss of life and property. The historic floods have claimed at least 50 lives, with more than 20 young girls still missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp in Hunt, Texas.
On July 4, the archbishop met with families affected by the disaster, including a mother whose daughter is among those missing. He visited Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kerrville, one of four sites designated as centers for refuge and assistance. "Catholic Charities was present, bringing food, clothes, hygiene articles, water," said Archbishop García-Siller.
Reflecting on his visit, he emphasized the importance of being present amid suffering and allowing oneself to be touched by the reality of such moments. "In my case, it’s calling upon the Holy Spirit to guide me to know how to be present," he stated.
The archbishop noted that people from various places beyond San Antonio were affected by the tragedy. He compared the impact of this event to past tragedies like the Uvalde school shooting three years ago. "The fact is the same: lives are missing," he remarked.
Archbishop García-Siller planned to celebrate Mass on July 6 at Notre Dame Church as part of his ongoing support for those impacted by the floods. He encouraged empathy and prayer for those who lost their homes and loved ones unexpectedly.
He highlighted that while immediate resources are available, addressing material needs alone is not enough. "We find out with God’s grace how we are contributing for the well-being of the people," he said.
The archbishop urged people not to be indifferent when hearing about such tragedies and praised those who want to help. He added that praying for others is also a valuable contribution.
Lauretta Brown is culture editor for OSV News. Follow her on X @LaurettaBrown6.
