With the recent tragedy of the Tai Po fire, we write this with a heavy heart. For the toll of the fire is not just the amount of money it will cost to rebuild, nor is it the lives lost. The highest cost is the fact that it will take time (if ever) for the living to rebuild their lives.

God does not permit tragedy unless there is some good that can come from it. We hope that those who died received some graces that permitted them to get on their knees and pray for mercy and their salvation.

Right now, we don’t know the final death count, but we fear it will only go higher than it is. Nor do we know how many will pray to God for their salvation. Even if it is just one, then it is a victory for God. We hope there are more than that.

November is the month for Catholics to remember the souls in Purgatory. This includes those of the Tai Po fire.

We hope that not only those who died prayed to God, but this is the chance that many of the living will also pray to God for the help they need. This is the greatest good that can come from this tragedy.

Money and supplies are good for the living. But prayers are good for both the living and the dead. Let us pray for all those who live and those who will die. It is the least we can do.