Washington D.C., Apr 16, 2013 / 10:16 am
Catholic leaders offered prayers and sent words of peace to those affected by the explosions at the Boston Marathon, encouraging the faithful to pray for those involved and for the souls of those who have died.
Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston expressed his "deep sorrow following the senseless acts of violence perpetrated at the Boston Marathon," offering "prayers and concern" for those who were affected by the explosions, "especially the loved ones of those who lives were lost and those who were injured, and the injured themselves."
The cardinal said that the city of Boston and all of Massachusetts are "blessed" for the first responders who aided victims. He praised the governor, mayor and police commissioner for "providing the leadership that will see us through this most difficult time."
He also offered encouragement to the faithful, reminding them that 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."