Bishop Thomas Matthew Burns, SM, on behalf of the Catholic Community, expresses his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the four miners, Charles Breslin, David Powell, Garry Jenkins and Phillip Hill whose bodies were recovered yesterday following the mining tragedy at Gleision Colliery.
Throughout the Diocese of Menevia, prayers have been offered over the past two days, and will be offered at all Masses this weekend, particularly in the parishes of the Swansea Valley, where the miners, their relations and friends are known. We wish to express our sense of grief and our common sharing in the sadness of those bereaved by this terrible and unexpected disaster.
The long history of mining in Wales has had its fair share of tragedies, but we have been fortunate that up until yesterday there have been no deaths for almost 40 years. I am sure that the resilience of the close communities and the reassurance of prayers will be of great comfort to those who have lost loved ones.
The following prayer is being used in parishes this weekend:
“Hear our thoughts and prayers, Lord, for the families and loved ones of those who died in the mining disaster in the Swansea Valley. Life has been cut short, leaving emptiness and sadness in hearts and homes. Give your courage and support to individuals and communities in their grief, as we here on earth reach out to assure them of our sympathy and condolences at this most difficult time. Receive with loving kindness, Lord, into your heavenly home those who have died. Grant them eternal happiness with you forever, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. AMEN.”
Contact
Any further information may be obtained from Father Michael W. Burke on 01792 652683 or michael@w-burke.freeserve.co.uk
Rev. Fr. Michael W. Burke,
St Joseph’s Cathedral,
Convent Street,
Greenhill,
SWANSEA.
SA1 2BX.
United Kingdom
Tel: (+44) 01792 652683
