By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

The spring break-up on the Mackenzie and Liard rivers has caused historic and devastating levels of flooding in the Northwest Territories, including several communities in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith.

“Particularly hard hit has been Fort Simpson, where over 700 people have been evacuated, and Jean Marie River which was completely inundated by the river waters,” says Bishop Jon Hansen, CSsR, of Mackenzie-Fort Smith in a recent Facebook post.

“While we can be grateful that there has been no loss of life, the property loss and the trauma caused by dislocation and anxiety is incalculable,” says Bishop Hansen.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen – who served as bishop of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith before his appointment as bishop of Saskatoon – has been in touch with Bishop Hansen and others from his former diocese.

“The flood of the massive Mackenzie River is unlike ever seen before,” says Bishop Hagemoen. “This is affecting all of the communities along the Mackenzie River, from Fort Providence, and potentially all the way to Inuvik. The most devastated are the communities of Jean Marie River and Fort Simpson.”

Bishop Hansen is asking for prayers and for financial support to assist in responding to the ongoing crisis.

“I would ask that you please pray for all those who have been affected by the flooding or are waiting downstream and preparing for the flood waters to arrive,” he says in his Facebook message.

Throughout the northern diocese a special “second collection” was taken up in aid of flood relief in the diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. The proceeds from this collection will be received by the diocesan centre in Yellowknife, from where it will be distributed to the affected regions, explains Bishop Hansen.

“Between the pandemic and the floods, we are all under great stress these days determining the best way to cope,” adds the bishop in his message to the diocese. “Please take time to care for yourself the best you can and place your trust in God. May the strength we gain by drawing together as a community sustain us in the days ahead.”

Saskatoon’s bishop is also encouraging prayer and financial support from his diocese. “We pray for the protection and well-being of all of the people in these areas, and that the effects of the flooding will be minimized,” says Bishop Hagemoen. “I also encourage people to respond to Bishop Hansen’s request for financial support for those communities in crisis at this time.”

Those who would like to donate on-line can use the northern diocese’s Canada Helps donation link: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/6296/ (please indicate that your donation is for flood relief.)

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