Following the collapse of the roof of the Reigners Bible Church that resulted in deaths of over 100 people who were gathered in the church in the city of Uyo, Nigeria, on Saturday 10 December, for the ordination of the bishop, Cardinal Vincent has sent a message of condolences to the Nigerian Chaplaincy. Writing to Fr Innocent Ezeonyeasi, Fr Peter Babngida Audu and Fr Matthew Gbenga, the Cardinal reassures them of his prayers:
'I am writing to assure you and the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy of my prayers for all those who died or were injured following the recent collapse of a church roof in southern Nigeria.
'Please be assured too of the prayers of the Catholic community in England and Wales. We pray for the eternal repose of all those who have died and for those affected.'
