Fr. Clement Waidiyasekera, OMI, Provincial of the Colombo Province in Sri Lanka, sent this message of fraternal solidarity to the Oblates in the United States:

Dear Father Provincial and our brother Oblates of the US Province:

We have been shocked by the devastation caused buy hurricane Katrina and we are deeply associated with you in your sorrow.  We offer our condolences to all who have been affected by the tragedy.  We pray for you and with you in this period of tragedy to your country.

We will be with you in prayerful union with you and recommend you to the Lord for courage and strength to face the situation and rehabilitate the suffering people.  May God be with you.

Yours oblately,

Fr. Clement Waidiyasekera, OMI and your brother Oblates of the Sri Lankan province.