Nearly one year ago, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The storm left almost all of the islands without food, electricity, or clean water and led to the deaths of thousands of U.S. citizens. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands deserve the same attention and treatment as other areas on the mainland, and the same levels of healthcare and child tax benefits as American citizens. Join with us on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria the weekend of September 20-23 by holding a prayer vigil with your local community to mourn and honor those who lost their lives and call for increased aid and more equitable policies for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Act: On September 20-23, religious groups and individuals across the country will be staging vigils to mourn the victims of Hurricane Maria and call for more aid and fairer policies for the islands. Hurricane Maria survivors, along with advocates and allies, will be also be hosting vigils.
Who: All are welcome to host or attend a vigil, include the below prayer during the weekend service and/or light candles on behalf of those on the islands.
When: Anytime from September 20-23rd
Where: Places of worship, community centers, and homes across the country
Share: We are encouraging you to share photos of your event by tweeting at us @JubileeUSA and using the #1YearAfterMaria hashtag, tag us on our Jubilee USA Facebook and Jubilee USA Network Instagram page.
Interfaith Prayer for Healing and Recovery
As we remember the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria and the devastation that it brought upon our neighbors in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, we both grieve the devastation and loss of life that occurred, and recognize the ways in which you God are present even in these difficult times and in the midst of this crisis.
As we consider the many needs of the people of these islands, we pray for mercy, comfort, and relief for our brothers and sisters at this time.
As people of faith, we will continue to outstretch our arms in support and ask for the help that is beyond our means.
We pray for the hearts and minds of those in power, that they too might see the needs of your people, and view Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands with eyes of compassion.
We are standing with them.
Thank you, oh God of many names, for the hope that leads us onward.
Amen.
Prayer Vigils:
Lydia Andrews - Jubilee USA Network, Washington DC
Karen Lull - Dubuque, IA
Bishop Pat Bumgardner - New York, NY
Martín Anderson - First Congregational Church of Chicago-UCC, Chicago, IL
Octavia Pleas - Overland Park, KS
Mary Mendum - Wilton, CT
Barbara Lenarcic - Sisters of the Humility of Mary, Villa Maria, PA
Rabbi Matt Cutler - Congregation Gates of Heaven, Schenectady, NY
Rev. Will McGarvey - Community Presbyterian of Pittsburg, Pittsburg, PA
Steve Herder - Ascension Lutheran, Thousand Oaks, CA
Alexandra Singer
Barbara DiTommaso - Commission on Peace and Justice, Rensselaer, NY
Sr. Maria Christi Drysdale - Philadelphia, PA