One year ago today, the Diocese of Trenton along with the entire mid-Atlantic coastline faced the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, a natural disaster whose wrath no one could have anticipated.  Thousands of our parishioners --- along with their fellow citizens here in New Jersey and New York --- were confronted with such catastrophic loss that no words could even describe the reality that confronted them.

The day after the storm subsided, I toured the New Jersey coastline with a State Police escort, visiting many of our parish sites.  To say it was gut wrenching and heartbreaking would be an understatement.

The following Sunday, I had the privilege of celebrating Mass in hard-hit Belmar, New Jersey, in St. Rose Parish Church; where there was no light, no heat, no electricity, yet a standing room only church.  Embracing so many parishioners that morning and looking into their tear-filled eyes, I could feel the pain move from their heart into mine.  I shall never forget that day and I have prayed for those parishioners and all our displaced and devastated sisters and brothers every day since. 

The Diocese and its incredible parishes mobilized resources quickly and reached out in love and care for all those whose lives were destroyed, who needed food, water, shelter, clothing and all the basic necessities of life we all take for granted.  No bishop could have been prouder of seeing the Gospel come to life in his Diocese. 

One year later, people are still suffering.  It is my hope and prayer that the passage of time will not diminish our spirits nor keep us from continuing to extend our hands and hearts -- Christ's hands and heart -- to those still in need.