CV NEWS FEED // An EF-4 tornado hit St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, on May 6, and despite the damages, the tabernacle and sanctuary candle were completely unharmed.
Deacon Harrison Garlick, who helped with the parish’s debris cleanup after the tornado, posted on his X account:
The tornado blew in the front door and blew out the back door.
Half a dozen windows were shattered by debris.
Glass and debris everywhere.
Yet…
The Altar was undisturbed. Not a single candle had fallen over. Tabernacle in place.
And the Sanctuary Candle was still lit.
The church’s pastor Fr. Emmanuel Nduka told local news outlet 2 News Oklahoma about his reaction to seeing the tabernacle unharmed.
“So when I saw it, I knelt down, in adoration to the Lord, and said, ‘thank you for everything,’” Fr. Nduka explained.
He added that he is not surprised that the tabernacle was protected.
“God is in charge, God is in control,” he said. “So why would I be surprised?”
Fr. Nduka will be able to celebrate Mass at the parish on Sunday, and he said that he knows what he will tell his parishioners in the homily.
“We as Christians should rely on God every time,” he said. “God is the only reason why we’re here on earth. Outside God life has no meaning, I believe in that strongly, and that’s why I’m a priest now.”
St. Mary’s Catholic Church is a small stone church built in the 1930’s. In a thread of posts on X, Deacon Garlick shared about the extent of the damage, and how the community came together to help after the tornado.
“So many good people came and helped. Not just local Catholics. But many from out of town who had either grown up at the parish or had nothing to do with the parish – but were there to help,” Deacon Garlick wrote.
He explained that the volunteers helped fix doors, board up windows, and patch up the roof.
“It was really the BEST of Oklahoma,” Deacon Garlick continued. “Everyone was offering to help. Such a kind, indomitable spirit in everyone. Women came and set up a lemonade stand on the parish grounds and handed out free food.”
Those interested in making a donation in support of the church’s repair can find more information here.
According to FOX Weather, the tornado devastated nearby homes and barns. At least one person has been confirmed dead.
Deacon Garlick also posted video footage of the surrounding area, showing trees and homes that were destroyed by the tornado.
“I was honored to work alongside such fine people today,” he wrote. “Pray for the town of Barnsdall. They have a long road ahead.”
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