Pastor, Brodbeck see devastation first hand

Rev. Fr. Ralph Thomas and St. Paul School principal Robert Brodbeck learned first hand this week of the desperate need of tornado victims in Alabama.

They learned, too, how much any help is appreciated.

The two left Sunday to drive to Birmingham where they personally delivered a check for $1,500 and toiletries and other supplies collected by St. Paul school students.

They were delighted to see us,” the pastor said. “They were very appreciative.”

Birmingham Bishop Robert J. Baker, who was attending the Spring conference of U. S. Bishops, will be sending a personal “thank you” letter to St. Paul when he returns.

Photos were taken for a story to be published in The Voice, the diocesan newspaper.

Fr. Thomas and Brodbeck met with Fran Lawler, superintendent of Catholic Education, and Frank Savage, director of religious education.

Theresa Petruzella, who oversees disaster relief for the diocese, took them on a tour of Pratt City, one of the most-devastated areas.

“I’ve never seen anything like that it my life,” said Fr. Thomas. Brodbeck said the devastation was unblieveable.

See photos of devastation.

Fr. Thomas and Brodbeck were given a tour of the diocesan cathedral which incidentally is St. Paul Cathedral and were guests at an ice cream social in the afternoon.

The cathedral, a majestic brick building, replaced a small 30 by 60-foot wooden frame church first built in 1872. It was dedicated on November 30, 1893 and air-conditioning installed in 1972. The main entrance has a central statue of Christ, outwardly flanked by a statue of St. Paul.

See history of St. Paul Cathedral

On their return home, Fr. Thomas and Brodbeck stayed at the Abbey of Gethesemani, a Trappist monastery near Bardstown, KY, where monks have been praying for more than 150 years. They said Mass at 6:15 with the monks.

Go to the monastery website for photos of the beautiful grounds and information on the life of the monks.

Fr. Thomas and Brodbeck returned home about 6 p.m. Wednesday eager to describe the warm welcome they received and the devastation caused by tornadoes.