Following the terrorist attacks on Brussels on Tuesday, 22 March, Cardinal Vincent has sent condolences to Archbishop Jozef de Kesel of Mechelen-Brussels, and Belgian Ambassador Guy Trouveroy.
In the letter to Archbishop de Kesel, the Cardinal writes:
'The news of terrorist attacks in Brussels has shocked and dismayed us all. I write to assure you and all in your diocese of the prayers and support of the Catholics in England and Wales. Many others, too, will be joining in these prayers.
'May God grant strength and enduring faith to all who are bereaved, injured and traumatised. May God welcome into his merciful presence all who have died. May God turn the hearts of all who commit evil to a true understanding of his desire and intention for humanity.
'May Jesus, whose death and resurrection we are celebrating, be the face and presence of the mercy of the Father and the light of eternal life for us all.'
In the letter of condolence to Ambassador Trouveroy, the Cardinal writes:
'I am writing to offer my sincere condolences on the tragic loss of life in Brussels today. These explosions have shocked the world and all who hold that respect for human life is an essential foundation for every society.
'I would like to assure you that the victims, their families and the wider society are very much in my prayers. I assure you, too, of the prayers and condolences of the Catholic community in England and Wales. We, too, mourn this loss of life. We pray for the eternal repose of all who have died.'
