18 July 2014
Dear Brother Priests,
We are all shocked and deeply saddened at the terrible news of the Ukrainian airline tragedy, Malaysian Airlines MH17.
Firstly, I offer my prayers for all those who perished in this disaster and for their families and friends. We know there were a number of Australians on the flight, as well as many delegates for the 20th International Aids Conference in Melbourne, and I would encourage everyone to join me in prayer for them.
Let us keep in mind those who are investigating this tragedy so that the relatives of those who died may be provided some answers as soon as possible.
Please keep in your prayers the Middle East and other areas of conflict where there continues to be great suffering.
Let’s all pray for the cessation of war and a strong commitment to dialogue and reconciliation.
I would like to invite you or a representative to a Mass of Remembrance and a call for peace at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney this Sunday, 20 July at 10.30am
His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia will be attending.
Please find invitation and further details.
May the God of peace be with all who are grieving at this time.
Bishop Peter A Comensoli
Apostolic Administrator
Archdiocese of Sydney