Monday, April 15, 2013

The Boston Bombings



Pope Francis

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, relayed the Holy Fathers condolences to Cardinal Sean OMalley, Archbishop of Boston. Cardinal Bertone stated that the Holy Father was deeply grieved by news of the loss of life and grave injuries caused by the bombings.

Pope Francis, he said, wishes me to assure you of his sympathy and closeness in prayer. In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, His Holiness invokes Gods peace upon the dead, his consolation upon the suffering and his strength upon all those engaged in the continuing work of relief and response, the telegram stated.

The Holy Father, concluded Cardinal Bertone, prayed that all Bostonians will be united in a resolve not to be overcome by evil, but to combat evil with good (cf. Rom. 12:21), working together to build an eve more just, free and secure society for generations yet to come.

This afternoon, Pope Francis sent a condolence telegram to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing that occurred yesterday.



Congregation of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary 

The Oblates of the Virgin Mary offer their prayers and condolences for all those killed and injured in the Boston Marathon Bombing. While we are grateful that no OMV priests, brothers, or seminarians were affected (the blast occurred very close to Saint Francis Chapel and St. Clement Shrine), our hearts are heavy as we tearfully lift our voices in prayer to our Father in heaven. Please join us as we pray for the victims, the relief workers, and for the conversion of those responsible for this deed. And let us pray that we may have peace on this earth — and that this peace begin within our own hearts.    Let there be peace on earth…and let it begin with me.



CardinalSeánP.O'Malley_gm_039
CARDINAL SEÁN P. O’MALLEY (Archbishop of Boston) STATEMENT: 

The Archdiocese of Boston joins all people of good will in expressing deep sorrow following the senseless acts of violence perpetrated at the Boston Marathon today. Our prayers and concern are with so many who experienced the trauma of these acts, most especially the loved ones of those who lives were lost and those who were injured, and the injured themselves.

The citizens of the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are blessed by the bravery and heroism of many, particularly the men and women of the police and fire departments and emergency services who responded within moments of these tragic events. Governor Patrick, Mayor Menino and Police Commissioner Davis are providing the leadership that will see us through this most difficult time and ensure that proper procedures are followed to protect the public safety.

In the midst of the darkness of this tragedy we turn to the light of Jesus Christ, the light that was evident in the lives of people who immediately turned to help those in need today. We stand in solidarity with our ecumenical and interfaith colleagues in the commitment to witness the greater power of good in our society and to work together for healing.





Cardinal Timothy Dolan (Archbishop of New York)

Prayers for Boston
I have just heard the terrible news of the explosions that took place near the end of today’s Boston Marathon and at the JFK Library. While we wait for additional details, my thoughts and prayers are certainly with those who died, with the families who lost loved ones, and with those who are injured. Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us!

Today: 

The tragic end to the Boston Marathon April 15 reminds us all that evil exists and that life is fragile. 

The deaths and injuries of people gathered for the celebration on Patriots Day in Boston calls on all of us to pray for the souls of those killed the healing of those injured and the restoration of peace for all of us unsettled by the bombings at a world renowned sporting event.

Our special prayers are with the Archdiocese of Boston and the people there who are working in the aftermath of this crisis to address those wounded in so many ways by these events.

The growing culture of violence in our world and even in our country calls for both wise security measures by government officials and an examination by all of us to see what we can personally do to enhance peace and respect for one another in our world.




Cardinal Roger Mahony 
(Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles) 



Sadly, today we added yet another tragic date to our history: 4/15

April 15, 2013 is now added to 9/11 as a "day of infamy," in that memorable phrase used by President Roosevelt when Pearly Harbor was bombed in 1941.

While facts are still sketchy, the two bombings at the Boston Marathon are surely acts of terrorism. Someone or group chose Income Tax Day and the Boston Marathon as the occasion to kill, maime, and create havoc across a large city.


As disciples of Jesus, we lift up our prayers and support for fellow Americans and visitors who have been killed, injured, and displaced. During this Easter Season we have our eyes fixed on our Risen Lord, and into his hands we commend all our affected brothers and sisters.

This latest act of terrorism rises up from evil. The explosions were calculated to go off exactly as large numbers of marathon runners were nearing the finish line, and many observers and friends were gathered.

May our prayers surround our brothers and sisters with comfort and strength.




Bishop Kevin Vann (Bishop of Orange) 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have all been shocked and saddened by the unfolding news of the tragedy in Boston on Monday. We have all been reading about this from various reports around the country, and hearing the reaction of the faith community around the world, especially a telegram sent on behalf of Pope Francis which says, in part, “At this time of mourning the Holy Father prays that all Bostonians will be united in a resolve not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good…” (Romans 2:21).

The heroic efforts of so many people in Boston to assist the victims are a testimony of these words of St. Paul, and a visible reminder that evil is never the last word. The victims of this heartbreaking act of violence have been in the prayers of all of us here in Orange. I encourage all within our family of faith here in Orange County to join me in praying for those taken, injured and impacted by this tragedy. We stand with them in prayer and solidarity.

In Christ,
Bishop Kevin Vann





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