By Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes, Clarion Herald Column, Archdiocese of New Orleans, September 1, 2007

Two years ago our city and the surrounding Gulf Coast experienced the greatest human catastrophe in the history of our nation. This anniversary provides a graced moment to pause in prayer, remembrance and reflection rooted in faith. The loss of life, homes, possessions, a whole way of life, has tested our faith profoundly. The painstakingly slow progress in rebuilding has tested our hope.

We who survived Katrina have had to relearn some important lessons.
- We have learned that we are really not in control of our lives, however much we may have thought we were.
- We are dependent on God and interdependent on one another.
- We have learned to be vigilant and prepared.
- We have learned that faith is the most powerful weapon in the face of adversity;
- that family relationships should never be taken for granted;
- that people are far more important than the things we once possessed;
- that acts of thoughtful kindness by strangers and to strangers strengthen solidarity and forge human community.

I will never forget those who took me in when my residence took six feet of water or those who provided food and clothes when I could not return to retrieve anything for over a month. I will never forget those who helped provide space and infrastructure so that we could establish an archdiocesan administration in exile within 48 hours after the storm so as to become an integral part of search and rescue, recovery and rebuilding.

Personal faith, the assistance of faith-filled people and zealous teamwork have made the difference in church response when government sometimes seemed overwhelmed. The struggle has been challenging, filled with exhausting labors and daunting tasks. But God has enabled us to focus on what is of primary importance. We have learned where our treasure truly is: our faith in God; our conviction that for those who love God, everything turns to good; our embrace of others, not on the basis of race or education or economic status, but on the basis of our common humanity and our need for one another.

May God enable us to continue to move forward, partnering with those who want to serve the common good, in service to the renewal and rebuilding of our city. Renewal is a gift of the Holy Spirit touching faith, moral and spiritual life. Rebuilding is a work of human reconstruction. God grant us the grace to realize both.