Bishop Liam MacDaid asks for prayers for those killed and injured in road traffic accident in France

23 Oct 2015

  • Bishop MacDaid recommends prayer before driving
  • “Loss of human life on Irish roads – North and South – is heart-breaking” – Bishop MacDaid

Bishop Liam MacDaid, Bishop of Clogher, has asked for prayers across the diocese this weekend for those killed and injured this morning in the tragic road traffic accident near the village of Puisseguin in south-west France.  Ahead of the bank holiday in the Republic, Bishop MacDaid has asked all road users: motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, to take special care of themselves and their loved ones.

Bishop MacDaid said, “Road accidents can have so many contributory factors – speed, alcohol, drugs, high jinks in the car, use of mobile phones, texting while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, natural tiredness.  Up to yesterday, 22 October, the recorded 2015 road fatality figures stood at 127 for the Republic, and 58 for the North.  This loss of human life is heart-breaking for the loved ones of the deceased and a tragedy for our society as a whole.  Ahead of this October bank holiday weekend I am asking all road users to exercise particular vigilance in terms of safety and to be responsible on the roads over the coming days.  Care for one another in our community is a basic human value which travels across different faiths and cultures.  This duty of care also applies to our road use and it is fundamental to the common good of all in society.

“Prayer and reflection can change our driving behaviour, calm our aggression, remind us of the spiritual, moral and physical importance of what we are about to do.  I recommend the following dedicated prayer for motorists which may be recited before driving:

Prayer for motorists before driving

Holy Mother, hear our prayer,
Keep us in your loving care,
Whatever the perils of the way,
Let us not add to them this day.
So to our caution and attention,
We add a prayer for your protection,
To beg God’s blessing on this car,
To travel safely near and far.

Amen.”

Notes to Editors

  • The Diocese of Clogher is a cross-border diocese which includes the counties of Monaghan, Fermanagh and portions of Tyrone, Donegal, Louth and Cavan.  The diocese of Clogher has 88,203 Catholics, 75 priests, 37 parishes and 85 churches.  The diocesan Cathedral of Saint Macartan is located in Monaghan town.
  • Road fatality statistics provided by An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

ENDS                                           

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