Archbishop prays for residents, tourists in Canadian Rockies town devastated by wildfires
EDMONTON, Alberta — Edmonton Archbishop Richard W. Smith’s heart is with the people of Jasper and tourists forced to evacuate from the wildfire devastating the small alpine town and the neighboring famous Jasper National Park in the overnight hours of July 24 and 25. “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 archbishop said July 25. “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,” Archbishop Smith said.