Thanks be to God it appears that Our Lady of Lourdes church is still standing, based on the wildfire map provided by the Municipality of Jasper. We cannot confirm the extent of internal damage at this point, as the town remains evacuated and Parks Canada is assessing the area. We will provide an update as soon as it’s possible.
This continues to be a heartbreaking time for the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes, the people of Jasper and the surrounding communities. Many of the parishioners feel the devastating loss of their homes and their livelihoods and the sense of security and normalcy of life in the Town of Jasper.
We are grateful to the pastors and our sister parishes of Our Lady of the Foothills in Hinton, Holy Cross parish in Grande Cache and Our Lady of the Rockies in Susa Creek. They have welcomed evacuees for Mass and provided them with essential needs – food, shelter, clothing and toiletries – as well as an attentive ear to comfort them in their grief.
Archbishop Richard Smith and the pastoral administration office continue to provide support to Father Anthony Narisetty, associate pastor Father Marreddy Udumala, church staff, and the entire parish community of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Please know that everyone impacted by this fire, the First Responders and all those assisting the citizens and the Town of Jasper, will remain in the prayers of the faithful members of the Catholic community throughout the Archdiocese of Edmonton in the days and weeks ahead.
Related:
Statement from Archbishop Smith on Jasper wildfire
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