Upon
hearing the devastating news of the train tragedy near Santiago de
Compostella in Spain, Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and
Primate of All Ireland sent the follow letter to Archbishop Julián
Barrio Barrio, the Archbishop of Santiago de Compostella: Dear Archbishop Barrio Barrio,
On behalf of all members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the people of Ireland, I extend to you my sympathies on the tragedy which has occurred in your archdiocese on the eve of the feast of Saint James.
We are offering prayers for those who have died, those who have been injured, and their families. The entire Catholic community here in Ireland is spiritually close to you and all who have been affected at this time and I assure you of our on-going prayers.
I pray through the intercession of Saint James, Apostle, that those who have been injured will be speedily restored to full health.
The region of Santiago de Compostella is a place that is close to the hearts of many Irish people. I invite all Irish people currently on pilgrimage to offer their prayers for those who have died in this tragic accident. I also invite all the faithful to offer prayers at Masses this weekend in Ireland for all who have been affected in any way by this tragedy.
+ Seán Cardinal Brady
Archbishop of Armagh
Primate of All Ireland