Please see below the text of a letter by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, which was sent today to Archbishop Joezef de Kesel, Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, following the terrorist attacks in Brussels yesterday:
23 March 2016
H.E. Mgr Jozef de Kesel,
Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels,
Aartsbisdom Mechelen-Brussel,
Wollemarkt 15,
2800 Mechelen,
Belgium.
Your Excellency,
I write as President of the Irish Episcopal Conference to offer my prayerful solidarity with
and deepest sympathies to the people of Belgium following the terrible terrorist attacks in
Brussels which took place yesterday.
The horrific loss of life and serious injuries caused by these senseless attacks undermines
the fragile bonds upon which our peaceful coexistence as a society rests. I am mindful too
of the work of security and healthcare personnel in offering assistance in a very difficult
situation. I am also aware that these days are challenging for priests and pastoral workers
as they seek to minister to many people in tense and stressful circumstances.
Prayers will be offered throughout Ireland at Masses and ceremonies over the coming
days and during the Easter Triduum. Please be assured of personal remembrance in my
own prayers for those who have died and for those who have been injured, as well as for
their families.
I pray that the grace of the Crucified and Risen Lord Jesus will accompany the people of
your nation and of our continent at this time.
With sentiments of personal regard, I remain,
Yours sincerely in Jesus Christ,
Most Reverend Eamon Martin
Archbishop of Armagh
President of the Irish Episcopal Conference
ENDS