

“Everyone is being so helpful but there is only so much we can do right now,” Sister Mary Frances said on Oct. So as soon as we have power, we will be back.”Ībbess Sister Mary Frances and the three other nuns have also returned to the property several times as well to salvage a few personal items, do some minor cleaning and take inventory of what needs to be replaced. I know because when the surge breached the walls the building didn’t move and everything above the surge is fine. “But the building is three stories and sturdy. That will be quicker to fix than the church because everything in the church needs to be repaired and replaced. We are starting from scratch.”įather Adams said the monastery ground floor is gutted, and the Chapel is a mess. The Diocese had people out inspecting the damage… and my thought is that if they can get the Parish Hall fixed – that is the original church – we can have Mass for whoever is left on the island.

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“Seeing the destruction in person is nothing like seeing it on TV or in pictures. Although he had been there for 72 hours following the destruction brought by Ian, the return was heartbreaking. The Diocese is working to assess the possibilities of repairing and rebuilding churches and schools, and we continue to ask for your prayers for all who have lost so much.”įather Adams, Pastor of the Ascension Parish, first returned to the property on Oct. has established many Points of Distribution (PODS) throughout the region “to assist with basic human needs like food and water.
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“In the midst of total destruction, the Sisters are already worrying about how to get their next monthly shipment of hosts out! Their faith comes first, and they are thankful to God for their safety.”īishop Dewane went on to state that the safety and well-being of all in Southwest Florida is the first concern of the Diocese, and to address this issue Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc. “The Sisters and Father (William) Adams went through a harrowing time with Hurricane Ian and are now dealing with its aftermath, like so many in Southwest Florida and in the Diocese of Venice,” Bishop Dewane said. Dewane remarked on the plight of the priests and nuns on Fort Myers Beach who were stranded for three days before they were rescued.

Some of the debris lays scattered next to the church, in the driveway and in front of the monastery, as well as inside the 8-foot walls of the monastery compound.īishop Frank J. The debris removal includes nine homes, and their contents, that ended up on the property due to storm surge. This access will allow Diocesan contractors to come in and clear the larger debris, such as the wrecked contents of the Parish church, Parish Hall, rectory, and sheds, as well as the monastery offices, garages, and Chapel. A parishioner who lives on Fort Myers Beach was able to clear a path onto the property, pushing debris and sand into piles, similar to how plows move snow. 15, 2022, access to the property was by foot from Estero Boulevard, the main road which passes in front of the property. With Hurricane Ian long gone, the cleanup is only just beginning on Fort Myers Beach at Ascension Parish and the Poor Clare Monastery of San Damiano.
