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London, 7th July 2005 (CNA)
- Hours after a series of rush hour attacks
which rocked London's transit system leaving about
40 dead, Catholic leaders from around the
Britain have begun expressing their dismay and
consolations over what is the Pope called a
"barbaric act."
Upon hearing the news, Archbishop
Vincent Nichols of Birmingham, said that "My
heart goes out to everyone caught up in these
outrageous attacks in London today. I offer my
prayers for all those who have been killed and my
condolences to their families and friends.
I
also pray for all those who have been the
injured. He added that, "For many years, a
Bishop in North London, I too traveled every day
on these tubes and share the deep sense of shock
and revulsion of what has happened.May God give
strength, determination and consolation, to all of
us at this time."
Archbishop Patrick Kelly, Vice
President of the Bishops' Conference of England
and Wales and Archbishop of Liverpool, said today
that, "As this news is breaking, and contact with
Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor in Rome has not
been possible, I know I speak with him as I say
that I am stunned and saddened by these terrible
events only twenty-four hours after London and the
country rejoiced [over the successful Olympic
bid]." "May those who have died", he added,
"know the welcome of God into life beyond all
terror and pain. May the injured and those who
mourn find comfort and healing and may God sustain
the emergency services." He also announced that
he would be celebrating a special Mass this
evening at 7.30 pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral
of Christ the King, Liverpool, "at which all will
be welcome."
Robert Corrigan,
Dean of Clifton Cathedral, in Bristol, said that,
"In the face of such barbarity it is essential
that people of faith and good will come together
to pray for the dead, the injured and all those
affected in any way, but also to pray with hope
that one day the hatred that leads to such
violence will have no place on earth ."
Likewise, Rt. Rev Arthur Roche,
Bishop of Leeds, issued a statement from Lourdes,
where he is on pilgrimage saying, "I offer my
prayers for all those caught up in this appalling
tragedy in London and to the friends and relatives
of those who have been killed."
"As someone
who worked as a bishop in London," he added, "I
know of the character and resilience of Londoners.
This was an indiscriminate and cowardly act
against ordinary people.
"At a time when the
leaders of the world are meeting to plan ways to
bring help to those, who are less fortunate, it is
hard to understand the minds of people who can
commit such an outrage. I pray to God that our
belief in fairness and justice in this country
will overcome such evil."
Bishop Pat O'Donoghue too, sent a
letter today to the priests of the Diocese of
Lancaster saying that, "In view of the horrific
attack on innocent people in London on Thursday, I
ask you to offer special prayers for them at all
Sunday Masses. It may be an opportune time for us
all to commit ourselves to some act of penance
asking for God's mercy and guidance in response to
such an evil act."
"Our prayers", he added,
"must be for peace, justice and renewed
understanding of the gift of
life." |
