As Texas reels from the devastating flash floods that swept through the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, Catholics around the world are joining in prayer and support for the victims—especially the young lives lost at Christian summer camps.
At the conclusion of the Angelus on Sunday, July 6, Pope Leo XIV offered heartfelt condolences, speaking in English from St. Peter’s Square. “I express my sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones—in particular their daughters who were at summer camp—in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them,” the Holy Father said, according to Vatican News.
The Pope’s remarks come after a torrent of water rose approximately 26 feet in less than an hour before dawn on July 4, claiming at least 51 lives and leaving dozens still missing, including 27 girls attending Camp Mystic in Kerr County, the hardest-hit area. A Christian summer camp for girls, Camp Mystic was described as “totally destroyed” by one survivor, according to Catholic News Agency (CNA).
The Archdiocese of San Antonio has been at the forefront of Catholic relief efforts. In a July 4 statement, the archdiocese called the flooding “historic” and requested prayers “especially for those who died and for those still missing.” The statement continued, “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. Let us answer Christ’s call to love one another,” according to CNA.
San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette traveled to Kerrville on July 4 to minister personally to victims. Meanwhile, Catholic Charities of San Antonio mobilized a Mobile Relief Unit, converting Notre Dame Church in Kerrville into a shelter providing food, water, clothing, and emergency supplies.
Among the hardest stories to hear are those from the camps themselves. Camp La Junta, a boys’ camp near Hunt, narrowly avoided further tragedy. Twelve-year-old Henry Chaudoir, rescued from the camp, said he prayed a decade of the rosary and the St. Michael prayer the night before. “I was grateful to God to be alive,” he told CNA.
Chaudoir’s cousin, 18-year-old counselor Jackson Adams, described how he and others stayed behind in their cabin, lifting boys onto rafters to keep them safe from the rising water. “Praise the Lord the Casita hit the cabin!” said Chaudoir, referring to the cabin that crashed into theirs, allowing others to climb in and rescue the boys.
Rescue stories abound. Katie Cain, director of maintenance and stables at Camp La Junta, saved a young girl from Camp Mystic who had been swept across the river and also freed many of the camp’s horses. One counselor saved a colleague from the rushing floodwaters by forming a “monkey chain” with other staff.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for 15 counties and deployed more than 500 emergency responders. “We will stop at nothing” to find every victim, he said at a July 4 press conference in Kerrville.
As rivers like the Guadalupe, Llano, and San Saba continue to rise, Catholics across Texas are stepping up to offer shelter, meals, and supplies. Families like the Gunters near the San Saba River lost part of their home to floodwaters but expressed deep gratitude. “We are grateful we are all OK. It’s just a house. Better to lose a house than a child,” Tina Gunter told CNA.
Pope Leo’s Angelus message also included a call for peace worldwide, urging leaders to “replace the violence of weapons with the search for dialogue.” Before departing to Castel Gandolfo for a brief rest, the Holy Father encouraged the faithful to take courage and continue their pilgrimage through suffering with faith.
In the face of loss, the Catholic Church continues to offer what it can: prayer, compassion, and service. As Pope Leo reminded the faithful, “We pray for them.” Now, Catholics everywhere are invited to do the same.
🕯️You can light a free prayer candle for the victims of the Texas floods here: www.prayercandles.org
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