Statement from Bishop Joseph E. Strickland on Texas flooding

Pillars of Faith Apostolate

July 5, 2025

My heart is heavy with sorrow as we witness the devastation caused by the catastrophic floods in Texas Hill Country. So many lives have been lost, and many more remain missing—including precious children from Camp Mystic.

As a shepherd of souls, I weep with the families who mourn, and I lift up fervent prayers to our Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus and who draws near to the brokenhearted. In times like these, we are reminded of how fragile life is and how deeply we depend upon the mercy and power of God.

I ask all the faithful to join me in praying for those who have perished, for those still unaccounted for, and for the heroic first responders and volunteers risking their lives to search and rescue. The Church must not be silent when our people are suffering. Now is the time to bring Christ’s compassion into every shelter, every devastated home, and every grieving heart.

May Our Lady of Sorrows intercede for Texas. May the Holy Spirit comfort all who mourn. And may the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in whom we place all our trust, bring healing and hope amid the floodwaters.

Bishop Joseph E. Strickland

+Joseph