Hurricane Relief November 2025

In recent days, two natural disasters have caused extensive damage in different parts of the world.

On Tuesday, October 28, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, causing severe damage to both Jamaica and Haiti. It was the third strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. Melissa collapsed roads, flooded bridges, destroyed buildings, and wiped out fishing areas and crops across the islands. Hundreds of thousands are still without power and telecommunications remain unstable. A lack of fuel and food has magnified the crisis with many homes destroyed and thousands displaced.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency on Thursday, November 6 in the aftermath of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which left more than 100 people dead and hundreds still unaccounted for. It is estimated that more than 500,000 people have been displaced due to the severity of the storm. Floods, landslides and falling debris continue to be severe hazards for local residents. Significant damage is also anticipated as the storm moves across Vietnam and Thailand.

Parishes may wish to include a Prayer of the Faithful at Mass in the coming days:

For all those affected by natural disasters worldwide, especially victims of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean and Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. May the Lord comfort those who have lost loved ones, and provide strength to those displaced. We pray to the Lord.

For those interested in supporting humanitarian relief efforts to help those in need, please note the following:

The Archdiocese of Toronto will accept donations and channel funds through our Catholic partners in the Caribbean and Asia to support relief efforts underway in both regions.

Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:

• Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website – www.archtoronto.org

• By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411

• Through the parish, making cheques payable to:

Name of Parish – Hurricane Melissa or Name of Parish – Typhoon Kalmaegi

(Parishes, please gather funds and send one parish cheque to the Development Office, made out to either:

Archdiocese of Toronto – Hurricane Melissa - Humanitarian Relief   or   Archdiocese of Toronto – Typhoon Kalmaegi – Humanitarian Relief

Please continue to pray for all those affected by these natural disasters. Thank you for your continued co-operation.