Church leaders pray for Boston

People of all faiths and none ran together in the Boston Marathon, to raise funds for a range of good causes. But instead of victory celebrations, now prayers are being said around the world for the victims of the two bombs - for those who were killed, those who were injured, and their families and friends.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops commented: "The tragic end to the Boston Marathon April 15 reminds us all that evil exists and that life is fragile.

"The deaths and injuries of people gathered for the celebration on Patriots Day in Boston calls on all of us to pray for the souls of those killed the healing of those injured and the restoration of peace for all of us unsettled by the bombings at a world renowned sporting event.

"Our special prayers are with the Archdiocese of Boston and the people there who are working in the aftermath of this crisis to address those wounded in so many ways by these events.

"The growing culture of violence in our world and even in our country calls for both wise security measures by government officials and an examination by all of us to see what we can personally do to enhance peace and respect for one another in our world."

Bishop John Kirby, Chair of the Irish Bishops' Council for Emigrants, called for prayers for those killed and injured, and said: "It was with great sadness that I heard the news of the attack at the Boston Marathon. On behalf of the Irish Bishops' Council for Emigrants I offer my condolences and prayers to the people of Boston and to all those affected. I will offer Mass and pray for the victims and their families."

Rev Laura E Everett, Executive Director of Massachusetts Council of Churches, said:

“Behold, I will bring health and healing to the city; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.” ~ Jeremiah 33:6

Our hearts are heavy in Massachusetts. On a great day of civic pride and joy, our city of Boston was scarred by violence. We grieve for those who have died. Bodies made to run and cheer were wounded. Our eyes are burned with images of terror in the very streets where we walk. Attend to us, Great Physician.

We do not yet now why this has happened. Preserve us from quick judgements, O Lord. Give us wisdom in the days ahead. Reveal to us peace and truth.

We sing the African-American spiritual “guide my feet, while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain.” In this time of uncertainty and fear, we cling to the sure promises of our God that we do not go on in vain.

Even as we grieve, we will remain steadfast in charity, defiant in hope, and constant in prayer. We are grateful for the prayers and support from across the country and the globe. Please continue to pray for the victims. Pray for our first responders, our elected officials, and the media who work with such trauma and return home to their own families. Pray for those without permanent homes who live in our public parks, displaced by this violence in our city. Pray for the marathoners, tourists and visitors far from home.

The Massachusetts Council of Churches joins our prayers with citizens throughout the Commonwealth. In the words of the prophet Jeremiah, may our God indeed bring health and healing to the city.

See also: Pope expresses his profound grief over Boston Marathon bombings www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=22346