First responders survey rising flood waters of the Guadalupe River after flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas on July 4, 2025. (OSV News photo/Affiliate KSAT, via Reuters)`
OSV News
The Archdiocese of San Antonio is calling for prayers for all affected by the historic flooding wreaking havoc in parts of the archdiocese, it said in a July 4 statement.
"We pray especially for those who have died as well as those who are still missing," the statement said. "As the archdiocese mourns together, many are coming forward, including archdiocesan entities and organizations, to assist in relief efforts, as well as the first responders who continue to help the numerous victims of this horrific event."
Following the catastrophic flooding, at least 20 girls are unaccounted for from Camp Mystic, a Christian, girls-only sleep-away camp in Hunt, Texas. The camp along the Guadalupe River was evacuated overnight as the area received at least 10 inches of rain. The rain on Friday morning caused the river to rise nearly 30 feet in 45 minutes.
As of Friday night, at least 24 people are confirmed dead due to the flooding in Kerr County, Sheriff Larry L. Leitha told reporters, saying more fatalities are expected.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday night that he has issued a disaster declaration for several counties, so they "have access to every tool, strategy, personnel that the state of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless."
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"It is our prayer that those impacted by the floods will find the strength to rebuild. We pledge to be with the people in these challenging circumstances,” the archdiocese statement said. “Let us answer Christ's call to love one another."
A special Mass to pray for those who have lost their lives and people who that are missing will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, at Notre Dame Church in Kerrville, Texas. Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller is set to celebrate the Mass. Also on Sunday, Garcia-Siller will preside at the 8 a.m. weekly televised Mass at San Fernando Cathedral for the same intention, according to the archdiocese.
"Prayers will also be offered for the emergency responders and those who have begun the work of providing for the needs of the impacted in these communities in their recovery efforts; that they may be kept from harm as they seek to bring relief, comfort, and healing," the archdiocese said.
The Diocese of Beaumont, Texas, also asked for prayers for those impacted by the flooding and announced a Mass at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 5, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica "for all those affected by the Hill Country flooding, especially those who are from here -- Aiden Heartfield, Ella Cahill, Joyce Badon, their friend Reese Manchaca, and Mary Grace Baker and their families."
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio, 2017 (CNS/Bob Roller)
The Diocese of Austin, Texas, asked the diocese to "join in prayer with our brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of San Antonio as they support those affected by the devastating flooding, particularly in Kerr County. May the lives lost today rest in peace, through the mercy of God, and may their families know God's presence during this time of sorrow and uncertainty."
Father James A. Misko, diocesan administrator asked for prayers for emergency workers who engaged in search and rescue for the missing. "Invoking the watchful intercession the Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, patroness of people seeking protection during natural disasters and strong storms, that God will bring to a calm the rushing rivers, keep safe those who are missing and protect those working to rescue the lost,” Misko said.
