Pray for Jasper

An update from Our lady of Lourdes Parish in Jasper (as of July 31, 2024):

Thanks be to God it appears that Our Lady of Lourdes church is still standing, based on the wildfire map provided by the Municipality of Jasper. We cannot confirm the extent of internal damage at this point, as the town remains evacuated and Parks Canada is assessing the area. We will provide an update as soon as it’s possible.

This continues to be a heartbreaking time for the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes, the people of Jasper and the surrounding communities. Many of the parishioners feel the devastating loss of their homes and their livelihoods and the sense of security and normalcy of life in the Town of Jasper.

We are grateful to the pastors and our sister parishes of Our Lady of the Foothills in Hinton, Holy Cross parish in Grande Cache and Our Lady of the Rockies in Susa Creek. They have welcomed evacuees for Mass and provided them with essential needs – food, shelter, clothing and toiletries – as well as an attentive ear to comfort them in their grief.

Archbishop Richard Smith and the pastoral administration office continue to provide support to Father Anthony Narisetty, associate pastor Father Marreddy Udumala, church staff, and the entire parish community of Our Lady of Lourdes.
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Please know that everyone impacted by this fire, the First Responders and all those assisting the citizens and the Town of Jasper, will remain in the prayers of the faithful members of the Catholic community throughout the Archdiocese of Edmonton in the days and weeks ahead."

Statement from Archbishop Smith (July 25, 2024) on the devastating Jasper fires and the Jasper Catholic community of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. 

Today is indeed a very sad day and I wish to convey my sorrow, solidarity and support to the people of Jasper and the parish community of Our Lady of Lourdes. The status of Our Lady of Lourdes church is unknown at this point, as residents remain evacuated while emergency crews continue to try to save as much of the town as they can.

Also greatly impacted by this horrific fire are the thousands of people who call Jasper home as permanent and seasonal residents, as well as the surrounding communities. The loss of property is devastating, but even greater is the heartbreak for this world heritage site.

To pastor Father Anthony Narisetty, associate pastor Father Marreddy Udumala, church staff, and the entire parish community of Our Lady of Lourdes, please be assured of my prayers at this difficult time.

The parish is a place where Catholics have gathered for more than five decades to worship and adore Jesus Christ. It is a place of sanctity not only for the close-knit parish community, but for people from around the world who come to visit Jasper and marvel at God’s creation.

Please know that everyone impacted by this fire, the First Responders and all those assisting the citizens and the Town of Jasper, will remain in the prayers of the faithful members of the Catholic community throughout the Archdiocese of Edmonton in the days and weeks ahead.”

The Archdiocese of Edmonton has asked that all the faithful pray the following intentions:

​We pray for the people of Jasper, its permanent and seasonal residents, as well as those who keep the town in their hearts. Grant them encouragement, strength, fortitude, patience and insight as they struggle with their many losses — material, physical, emotional, and personal — and begin to rebuild their lives and their community. We pray to the Lord.

We pray for the First Responders and all those assisting the citizens and the Town of Jasper. Give them the safety and strength they need as they continue their work. We pray to the Lord.

For updates, please refer to:

• Municipality of Jasper 
• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Jasper
• Archdiocese of Edmonton
• Wildfire status - Parks Canada
• Government of Alberta
• City of Edmonton
• City of Calgary
• Canadian Red Cross