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.
Pray for Healing and Recovery for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
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
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New Law Provides Disaster Relief and Medicaid Funds for Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands
"The human suffering in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands continues, so I'm happy Republican and Democratic leadership could agree on disaster relief and healthcare funding for the poor," noted Jubilee USA Director, Eric LeCompte whose organization generated thousands of e-mails and phone calls to Congress ahead of the vote. "The work of Congress is not over yet. The aid package falls short of what the islands need and Congress will need to approve more disaster relief in the months ahead."
The spending bill includes more than $11 billion in recovery aid for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. More than $2 billion will be available to rebuild Puerto Rico's power grid. Moody's rating agency and the US Territory Governments estimate that more than $100 billion is needed to fully fund recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The law also includes money for Puerto Rico's Medicaid program that serves poor populations. Until Congress acted, Puerto Rico's Medicaid funding was weeks away from running out.
"We applaud Congress for moving forward the Medicaid funding for Puerto Rico," said LeCompte. "This program is critical for anti-poverty efforts and will generate billions of dollars for Puerto Rico's economy."
Religious leaders in Puerto Rico and across the United States have advocated for Medicaid financing with Congress and the White House for more than two years.