Fires continue to rage in Colorado

Fire fighters are struggling to beat back a fiercely aggressive wildfire raging at the edge of Colorado Springs, USA, that has forced at least 35,000 people from their homes. The Waldo Canyon Fire has destroyed an unknown number of homes on the wooded fringes of Colorado's second-most populous city.

“Together with the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, I offer prayers for everyone who has been affected and, in some cases displaced, by the Waldo Canyon wildfire,” Bishop Michael Sheridan said in a June 26 statement. “We also pray for the fire fighters and volunteers who are working hard to contain the wildfire and serve the needs of those affected. We are grateful for your courage, generosity and sacrifice, and we are heartened to see communities rallying together during this trying time.”

Colorado wildfires have killed four people so far this year in what the governor called the worst fire season in the history of Colorado.

The fire is a call to live in solidarity with one another—to shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, and feed the poor in our very state,” said Bishop James D. Conley, the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Denver.

“I pray that Coloradans will be generous in their response to those whose lives have been dramatically altered by the fire. I pray also that the fire will be a call, to each of us, to use the resources of our state as responsible and prudent stewards. Finally, I ask Coloradans to join me in praying for rain.”

United States President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit the area on Friday.

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