Diocese of Portland Joins Maui Wildfire Relief Effort

PORTLAND---Devastating wildfires on the island of Maui have killed nearly 100 people, with many still missing, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the history of the state of Hawaii and the deadliest wildfire in the United States in the last century.

In addition to the loss of life, more than 2,200 structures were damaged or destroyed, most of them homes. It is estimated 4,500 people have been displaced. The centuries-old town of Lahaina was left in ruins. Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Lahaina, which dates back to 1846, is still standing, although the condition of the church is not known. The priest and sisters who served there are safe. However, the parish school was destroyed, and five of the parish's lay employees lost their homes.

Please join in praying for the people of Maui, and if you would like to make a financial contribution to assist the residents, donations may be made through Catholic Charities Hawai'i or Catholic Charities USA, which pledges that 100% of your gift will be directed to where it is needed most.

To learn about how you can contribute, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/maui-wildfire-relief.