Quick response after tornado was life-affirming

Can you describe your emotions after seeing the devastation from the tornado in Arabi on March 22?

It is heartbreaking to see the destructive power of nature. I’m always reminded that in times of pain and suffering, the Lord Jesus not only walks with us but also carries us because sometimes we don’t have the power to keep going. I had seen the reports of the EF-3 tornado on TV the previous night and had heard about the death of the young man, Connor Lambert, but it wasn’t until I got to walk through the neighborhood that I fully comprehended the utter destruction. My first impression was that as destructive as this tornado was, it is truly a miracle that there was not more loss of life.

You also had the opportunity to pray with Connor Lambert’s family.

Yes. After Gov. Edwards held his press conference on Benjamin Street – where a lot of the tornado damage had occurred – I found out through the St. Bernard Civil Parish chaplain that Connor’s family had asked if we could share a prayer together. It was a solemn moment to gather in a circle and pray for the repose of Connor’s soul on his property. I understand Connor was an incredible person. He graduated from Chalmette High School and played football there, and he was so successful after his college studies that he became an engineer with NASA at the Stennis Space Facility in Mississippi. He had even bought his first home. I asked everyone to lift Connor and his family in prayer, and also to pray for those whose homes were destroyed or badly damaged. This same area was flooded by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and many of the damaged homes were built new after Katrina. Now, those families must start over again.

What was it like being with Gov. Edwards in his meetings with the emergency officials and in his interaction with residents?

Gov. Edwards has superb ability to take command of what could be a chaotic situation. He’s had a lot of experience – as we all have had – of dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters. But it was amazing to see the quick response by the state Fire Marshal, the State Police, the Louisiana National Guard, St. Bernard President Guy McInnis, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann, the St. Bernard Fire Department and so many other state and federal elected representatives. It’s comforting to know how prepared our governmental leaders are to respond to a disaster. In his private briefing, the governor had a chance to speak to the representatives of the various first responders. I was struck by what I saw on a large TV screen, which just 16 hours after the storm had a software map of the condition of all 1,100 structures in the affected area. People on the ground had already assessed each home, “pinged” their location and entered in details on the condition of the home. The damage was represented by different-colored circles, with green meaning “OK,” yellow “affected,” orange “minor damage,” red “major damage” and purple “destroyed.” What a gift from technology to help make decisions and provide quick help after a disaster.

You were joined on your tour by Marianite Sister Marjorie Hebert, who is the head of Catholic Charities for the archdiocese.

Sister Marjorie’s staff is putting together plans to provide case management for the families who have lost their homes. Also, there have been several employees of Catholic Charities whose homes were damaged by the tornado, and we will be working with them. One of the great things all faith-based responders have learned after a major event is how to work together. So, we have Second Harvest Food Bank on the ground to provide food, water and other supplies. Also, Our Lady of Prompt Succor School in Chalmette did a wonderful job, collecting clothing and supplies within hours for affected families. Several students at Our Lady of Prompt Succor lost their homes, and Charol Armand, Prompt Succor’s principal, is making sure the school reaches out to those families. It takes everyone to lighten someone’s burden.

The governor also asked you to close his meeting in prayer.

I asked God to give us perseverance and patience and to bring us a sense of comfort and peace. We lift up to God everyone who has been affected.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to clarionherald@clarionherald.org.