By John C. Favalora - The Archdiocese of Miami

Our hearts and prayers go out to the good people of Haiti as they suffer yet again more devastation, this time by a terrible earthquake. The Archdiocese of Miami has already begun efforts to assist the devastated areas. It especially saddens us to learn that Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot of Port-au-Prince was one of the victims.

Catholic Charities of Miami is accepting donations with which we will purchase the needed items and get them to the area as soon as possible.

Aside from the loss of lives and homes, the people of Haiti will surely face serious consequences. We stand in solidarity with the Haitian people of South Florida as they grieve over the loss of loved ones and countrymen.

On this occasion, I strongly call upon President Obama to immediately grant Temporary Protective Status to all Haitians in our community. To attempt to repatriate them at this time would be to send them to a country in crisis and would certainly condemn them to probable, if not certain, death. This would be grossly inhumane and immoral on the part of the United States.

I urge the people of South Florida to make their voices heard in this effort for Temporary Protective Status. Please contact the President, our two U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives and urge them to take action immediately for the sake of the welfare of the Haitian community in the United States as well as in Haiti.

I urge the prayers of everyone on behalf of the earthquake victims and their dear families.

Finally, I am announcing that a special collection will be taken up in all of the churches of the Archdiocese this weekend (January 16-17). I urge all Catholics to come prepared to make a generous donation.