A Semi-Personal Update From Louisiana
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As you know, my son attends CBC High School. There are 4 (four) Lasallian partner schools in Louisiana. Two in New Orleans, one in Covington, and one in Metairie. Some of the Brothers left the schools in New Orleans, and some stayed behind to ride out the storm. This is from the CBC website:
"A Message from Brother Thomas Johnson Regional Director of the Christian Brothers Conference:

Dear Lasallians,

This is an update on the Hurricane Katrina situation as it affects Lasallians.

As you know, communication to New Orleans is very poor at this time due to the damage caused by the hurricane. I have been in contact with the Provincialate in Lafayette, LA. Some Brothers from New Orleans left prior to the storm and headed for Lafayette or other places. Others stayed to ride out the storm.

This morning I received the following message from Brother Louis Welker in Lafayette, Visitor of the New Orleans-Santa Fe District. Brother Louis writes:

"All attempts to reach the Brothers in New Orleans and Covington have failed. The National Guard will not let anyone in the city. We do not expect that the news will be good. I fear for our Brothers who decided to ride it out. Not knowing is hard! We will keep you informed."

Brother Louis Welker
August 30, 2005

Please keep everyone who has been affected by this disaster in your prayers."

Any loss is hard; and the Lasallian Brothers do so much for so many, that I find their loss particularly difficult. It is my hope that they are somewhere safe. Schools can be rebuilt, lives cannot.