PRESS RELEASE
14 JULY 2005
STAFF OF COMMISSIONS AND AGENCIES OF THE
IRISH BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE
MARK TRAGEDY OF THE LONDON BOMBINGS
The staff of the agencies and commissions of the Irish Episcopal
Conference, which are based in Maynooth, today marked the tragedy
of the London bombings last Thursday by observing two minutes of
silence at 12:00 noon today, followed by a prayer service on the
theme ‘Let light out of darkness’.
Communications Officer Ms Brenda Drumm said: “Staff gathered this
morning to pray and to observe two minutes silence as a mark of
respect to those who died in last week’s atrocity and in solidarity
with the people of London who have shown great strength and courage
since the terrorist attacks last week.”
The prayer service consisted of the following:
Two minutes silence
We bless you Lord, for this time of silence
and for the space and peace it brings.
As we discover you in the times of silence,
May our lives be blessed with tranquility and peace.
Scripture
It is the God who said: ‘Let light out of darkness,’
who has shone in our hearts
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in clay jars,
so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power
belongs to God and does not come from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying in the body the death of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.
(2 Corinthians 4:6-10)
Hope
Even at the gates of hell,
Believe in redemption.
Let my grace and power work,
Where you have none.
It is only for you
to believe and to trust.
Be confident.
Trust.
Love.
Do not condemn.
Believe,
in the face of unbelief.
Hope against hope.
This is faith.
This is the gift most needed
for those who have suffered
so deeply, and lost all.
You must manifest love and hope.
It is only then that my people will begin to believe
in themselves.
Intercessions:
Let us reach out and pray for all those who mourn the death
of a mother or a father, a husband or a wife, a daughter or
a son, a sister or a brother, a grandmother or a grandfather,
a friend, colleague or neighbour
Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us
Let us pray for all who have suffered an unspeakable loss,
Who are trying to come to terms with their sorrow,
That they might not hate the light of life
But that they may keep an open heart
Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us
We pray for all those who were injured in last week’s attacks
that they may find the courage and strength they need
as they begin their recovery.
We also pray for people in other countries including our
own who have been killed or injured in terrorist attacks.
Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us
Let us pray for all those working in the emergency services
particularly those who responded to last week’s tragedy in London
many of whom risked their own lives trying to save others
Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us
We pray for all those who die and are not mourned
For those who are lost in war and prison
For those who are lonely in life or death
That God may hear them, and keep them in his heart
Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us
Finally we pray for peace in our world
Make us all Lord channels of your peace
Where there is hatred help us to bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord,
Where there is doubt true faith in you
Lord hear us
Lord graciously hear us
Shared Prayer/Reflections
We make all these prayers through Christ, Our Lord
AMEN
Thursday 14th July 2005
Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co Kildare.
Ends
Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm Communications Officer (087 233 7797)
NOTES TO EDITORS:
* 32 bishops make up the Irish Episcopal Conference which
comprises five departments, and these in turn incorporate
commissions and agencies focused on specific pastoral tasks and responsibilities.
The departments (chairmen in brackets) are:
* Dept of Catholic Education & Formation (Bishop Donal Murray);
* Dept of Pastoral Renewal & Faith Development (Bishop Bill Murphy);
* Dept of Pastoral Care (Bishop Christy Jones);
* Dept of Social Issues & International Affairs (Archbishop Diarmuid Martin);
* Dept of Planning & Communications (Bishop Patrick Walsh).
* The agencies and commissions of the Episcopal Conference include:
Accord, Catechetics, Child Protection Office, Communications Office,
Cura, Education, Emigrants, Irish Commission for Justice and Social
Affairs, Prisoners Overseas, National Centre for Liturgy, Pastoral
Renewal & Faith Development, Refugee Project, Research & Development,
and Trócaire.
