Diocesan News23 May 17

Prayers and Candles for the Victims of the Manchester Bomb

Candles are burning in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, for those killed and injured in the Manchester Arena terror attack on May 22.

Special prayers are being said, and people wishing to take time out to pray and light a candle are welcome to call into the Cathedral today and over the next few days.

The Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev John Mann, said: “It is with deep sadness that we awoke this morning to the news from Manchester. So many lives lost and injured, the likelihood being that many are children.

“Our hearts go out to all the families involved and our prayers are with them today, and will be in the coming days as this devastating attack brings such sorrow to so many.” 

Dean Mann continued: “We also remember in our prayers the members of the emergency services and all whose trauma at these events must be acute, even as they seek to assist others.

“In the communities, schools, churches and other faith centres, whose prayers and concern for those of their members will be deeply felt, may they know the support that is being prayed for by those across the country and around the world who seek to uphold them, as best we can, in this time of such distress.

“As we pray daily for the evil of this world to be abated and human beings of all races, nations, creeds and religions to find the common goals of peace and justice, we pray for the perpetrators of violence, that their hearts may be turned to healing and building up and life, rather than destruction and death. 

“Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.”