The La Soufriere Volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

In the midst of Easter Week Friday, 9th April, 2021 there was the explosive eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It still continues to cause huge distress and danger, with people evacuated to safety on neighbouring islands and communities further away from the volcano itself. This is surely a trying time for everyone in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, having to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and the volcanic eruption, along with all the other challenges of their lives.

The Rt. Rev’d C. Leopold Friday is the Bishop of the Windward Islands. The Bishop writes that “The present experience may cause us to wrestle with our faith, but it does not define who we are, our moments of wrestling must be seen as stepping stones to deeper faith, growth and maturity. They enable us to be more aware and sensitive to that which brings us all to life; that which is essential to our human existence. They provide opportunities for us to turn away from that which deadens our hearts and minds, so that we may be messengers of hope. It was those who experienced the empty tomb on that first Easter morning, the very ones who wrestled with their faith, who proclaim that Jesus rose from the dead and is alive. The God who raised Jesus from the dead will journey with us through these trying times”.

He asks that Christians “be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and exercise a good sense of judgement, understanding, forgiveness, restraint, tolerance, patience, and self-control.

Let us pray:

O Heavenly Father as the La Soufriere Volcano erupts we are frightened by our knowledge of the possible devastation of volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters and by our helplessness in the face of them. We pray O Father that you may keep us safe and all who stand in harm’s way.

Loving Father help us to know and to be confident that if disaster comes our way that you are ever present with us, and teach us to cope and afterwards to respond pray that help may be given to them speedily and this may be turned into an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of love and service which bind men and nations together through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

With every good wish and God’s blessings”.