Ireland: Sisters of Mercy killed in car accident

Two nuns from Belfast died in a car accident in Northern Ireland yesterday. Sister Frances Forde and Sister Marie Duddy were killed when the car they were travelling in collided with an unmarked police car close to Newry, Co Down.

The two Sisters of Mercy were on their way to a retreat when the accident occurred. They died at the scene.

Bishop Noel Treanor from the diocese of Down and Connor, who was attending the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference in Maynooth issues the following statement:

Along with Bishop Anthony Farquhar and the clergy of the Diocese of Down and Connor, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sister Frances Forde and Sister Marie Duddy who died in a car accident earlier this morning. This sudden and shocking loss of life leaves an impact not only upon all those who have known the sisters but upon the wider community in which they served.

Over the years, these sisters have blessed the Church with ministries ranging from healthcare, education, spiritual guidance and cross community and inter-faith dialogue.

I also offer my sympathy to the Sisters of Mercy who had gathered today for a convention in Dromantine. I particularly bring to mind and offer my support for those sisters in the Religious Congregation with whom they lived who have undoubtedly been left stunned by this tragedy.

I continue to remember in my prayers the PSNI officers who have been injured as a result of this terrible accident and their families.

I acknowledge and pay tribute to the professionalism and care of all the emergency services involved in this incident.

May the souls of Sister Frances and Sister Marie and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.