WESTFIELD – In the wake of historic flooding that devastated parts of Tioga County in August, parishioners in the communities of Westfield and Knoxville are finding solace in their faith.
On Aug. 9, 2024, flash flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby impacted thousands of people. Initial estimates indicate the flood water did damage to nearly 300 homes and businesses, in addition to damaging bridges, roadways and more.
“Westfield was almost the epicenter of the damage,” Ralph Wolstenholme, a parishioner of Saint Catherine of Siena Church in Westfield, explained. “A tremendous amount of homes have been lost. We had one life lost in Knoxville. He was a friend of mine and as of today he has not been found yet. He was washed away by the storm helping some elderly neighbors of his get out of their home.”
Even though unbelievable damage was left behind when the water receded, the community has not lost hope.
Neighbors have been rallying around one another to pick up the pieces.
“The hope that has come from this is incredible. Driving in here right after the damage, to come in and help, you saw people just coming in and saying, ‘How do I get to where the damage is,’ Mark Patrick Clements, another parishioner of Saint Catherine’s Church, added. “I met people from North Carolina that came all the way up here to help. They bring hope to this community.”
On Sunday, Aug. 17, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, visited the hardest hit communities.
Parishioners of Saint Catherine of Siena Church, which is located right in the heart of Westfield, took him around the community to see the damage first-hand.
With many roads reopen, Bishop Bambera was also able to celebrate the first Mass at Saint Catherine’s Church since the flooding.
During his homily, he reminded the faithful that while the flood water has taken so much, they cannot wash away the love and support that the community has for each other.
“You are living the Eucharist. You’re giving your life in faith by your service of your brothers and sisters. You’re not nailed to a cross physically, like Jesus at the heart of His sacrament, but you’re suffering,” Bishop Bambera said. “You’re suffering for and with your brothers and sisters – and you’re serving them out of love and I can’t think of a more incredible example of what it means to live the Gospel and to allow the Eucharist to take hold of you – than in what you’re doing right now. Thank you.”
The Bishop also pledged financial support to parishioners from the Diocese of Scranton Flood Recovery Fund that was initially established in 2011. The fund has been used primarily to provide outreach to victims who have sustained significant damage during flood emergencies. Because of the generosity of the faithful in 2011, the Diocese has been able to provide modest assistance to those confronted with the task of rebuilding their lives when flooding emergencies occur.
As Bishop Bambera ended his homily, he also assured the faithful of his prayers – and prayers of others around the Diocese of Scranton.
“A whole lot of your brothers and sisters already are keeping you in their prayers because they’ve gone through what you’re going through, but all of this local church is holding you in our hearts and lifting you up to the Lord,” Bishop Bambera stated.
The Mass was a moving service for many who attended.
“There’s nothing more powerful than the Bishop seeing how much one of his communities has been affected and to come out and that outreach,” Wolstenholme said.
“To have him physically drive three and a half hours to come here, to the most remote area of the Diocese brings an incredible warmth to you,” Clements added. “He’s not coming in here in a police escort with pomp and circumstance. He came in here humbly and he came in here and met us one-on-one and he rode around with us, getting to know the community. That affects us tremendously.”
Parishioners also say it is miraculous that Saint Catherine’s Church was spared damage. With homes destroyed all around it, the water only touched the bottom step since the church is built on a slab.
“When we found out that the water only touched the bottom step, when right across the road, it was up to my shoulders, just literally 400 yards down the road with houses off their foundation, Christ was preserved. His house was preserved and that is miraculous!”