Our Bishops have sent messages to those churches and other congregations in the Greater Paris area, assuring them of the support and prayers of the Diocese.
Bishop Robert, who is in France on a pastoral visit to Nice, says:
I am deeply shocked by the terrible tragedy which has befallen the city of Paris. I offer my fervent prayers for the families who have so brutally and suddenly lost loved ones, and for all who are struggling with serious injury. As a diocese we want to express our solidarity with the people of France at this dark time. Acts of terror against innocent people are totally abhorrent. We pray for deliverance from evil and that all the perpetrators and their accomplices are swiftly brought to justice.
In a similar message Bishop David has written to the churches saying:
Dear sisters and brothers, Once again violence and terrorism have struck France and the world is in shock. The numbers of dead and injured in the attacks across Paris must make this one of the deadliest of such crimes.
Across the diocese this weekend we will be praying for the people of Paris at this time of national mourning, distress and fear. We pray for all who have died that our Loving God will welcome them into his arms. We pray that God will comfort all who grieve, as well as the injured and the fearful.
And we pray that terrorism may be overcome and violent hearts turned to paths of peace.
In the face of hatred we pray that we may show forth love, and in this time of despair we remember our calling to be lights in a darkened world. May the peace of the Lord be with you.
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