Colombian archbishop offers prayers after bus accident deaths

Last updated on: December 18, 2012 at 11:04 pm by CNA Daily News

Colombian archbishop offers prayers after bus accident deaths 2012-12-18T23:04:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Bogotá, Colombia, Dec 18, 2012 / 04:04 pm (CNA).- A Colombian archbishop offered his solidarity and condolences to the families and friends of the 27 victims who died in a bus accident nine days before Christmas.

Noting the “tremendously tragic nature” of the accident, Archbishop Dario de Jesus Monsalve Mejia of Cali, Columbia acknowledged that “with irreparable losses like these, we are left speechless.”

According to Columbian radio network Caracol Radio, a bus traveling on the highway between the cities of Bogota and Cali crashed shortly before midnight on Dec. 16.

The vehicle, which had been operated by International Tourism Transportation, was carrying 40 passengers.

The driver said that the brakes were not working and that he was trying to slow the bus down by downshifting, reported survivors. Injured passengers were taken to hospitals in the nearby cities of Fusagasuga, Silvania and Soacha.

In his statement, Archbishop Monsalve said the Church in Cali, together with the entire country, “is shocked by the traffic accident that has brought sorrow to so many families hoping to joyfully celebrate Christmas together.”

He recognized the pain surrounding those who lost loved ones in the accident, especially in the days before Christmas.

“As archbishop of this Church, I extend an embrace of condolence and solidarity with all those affected, and I pray for the recovery of the injured and the eternal repose of the deceased,” he said.

He urged the faithful to offer support and care to those who are grieving, particularly in the parishes that will hold the wakes and funerals for those who have died.

“I invite all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cali to observe a moment of silence and prayer for these intentions on the second and third day of the Christmas Novena,” he added.

Americas

Previous Post

December 18, 2012

Irish government proposals would allow abortion

Next Post

December 19, 2012 Irish bishops say legalizing abortion will harm care for moms

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who helped Jesus carry His cross?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Simon of Cyrene Judas Peter John