Upon receiving news of the tragic death of Sr Frances Forde and Sr Marie Duddy earlier today, the Irish Bishops in the plenary session of the Autumn gathering of the Irish Episcopal Conference prayed for both the sisters and for their Religious Congregation. Bishop Noel Treanor who was in attendance at the Irish Episcopal Conference in Maynooth issues the following statement:
Along with Bishop Anthony Farquhar and the clergy of the Diocese of Down and Connor, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sr Frances Forde and Sr Marie Duddy who died in a car accident earlier this morning. This sudden and shocking loss of life leaves an impact not only upon all those who have known the sisters but upon the wider community in which they served.
Over the years, these sisters have blessed the Church with ministries ranging from healthcare, education, spiritual guidance and cross community and inter-faith dialogue.
I also offer my sympathy to the Sisters of Mercy who had gathered today for a convention in Dromantine. I particularly bring to mind and offer my support for those sisters in the Religious Congregation with whom they lived who have undoubtedly been left stunned by this tragedy.
I continue to remember in my prayers the PSNI officers who have been injured as a result of this terrible accident and their families.
I acknowledge and pay tribute to the professionalism and care of all the emergency services involved in this incident.
May the souls of Sr Frances and Sr Marie and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
ENDS