By the Grace of God

On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the day Hurricane Katrina made landfall, interfaith clergy from around the area gathered at St. Louis Cathedral to memorialize those who had died, recall the pain of the events, give thanks for the rebuilding that has taken place and look forward with hope - all by the Grace of God.

The service began with a procession lead by a single candle signifying rebirth and the light of God as the St. Louis Cathedral Choir sang a rousing rendition of the hymn "10,000 Reasons". Following an opening prayer lead by various clergy, Archbishop Gregory Aymond introduced Archbishop-emeritus Alfred Hughes, who lead the Archdiocese of New Orleans at the time to give a reflection on the time immediately following Katrina and the years since.

In his reflection, Archbishop Hughes noted that Katrina in Russian is translated to cleansing. He recalled visiting the shelters where citizens of the city had been evacuated and hearing their horrifying stories and struggles. He remembered praying with them through their loss and in their hope.

After a series of prayers and hymns selection, including "The Lord is My Light" from the Archdiocesan Gospel Choir under the direction of Richard Cheri, Bishop Brandon Boutin, preacher of the United Fellowship Full Gosepl Baptist Church in New Orleans gave an emotional homily of encouragement - testifying to the goodness and presence of God during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and now. He acknowledged the feelings that many in the community have facing this time of year every year but kept his focus on the idea that "eye has not seen, ear has not heard, what God has ready for those who love him."

Participation in the interfaith service was extensive bringing together Catholic and Christian clergy from various denominations including Right Reverend Shannon Duckworth, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, Bishop Tracey Breashears Schultz of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Right Reverend Doctor Page Brooks , Bishop Missio Mosaic Church of New Orleans, Father Patrick Collum of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Algiers, Reverend Leigh Rachal of the Louisiana Interchurch Conference, Reverend Rosmery E. Mejia LaFontaine of the United Methodist Church, Reverend San Hubbard of Disciples of Christ, Reverend Sandra Barnes pastor of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Reverend Stephen Craft, rector of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Algiers, Reverend Austin Wendt, Associate Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Reverend Doctor Mitchel Stevens of One Baptist Church, and Reverend Doctor Marc Boswell of St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church.  Interfaith clergy included Rabbi Daniel Sherman and Cantor emeritus Joel Coleman of Temple Sinai, Sheik Yacine Bodjema of the Muslim community, Pariz Mojani of the Baha'i Community of New Orleans, and Doctor Ngawang Lgshe of the Samten Choing Dharma Center.

A large contingent of New Orleans Police and Emergency Services attended the service along with Police Supreintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and Mayor LaToya Cantrell.