Cardinal Vincent Nichols has sent a letter of sympathy to Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, SJ, following the devastating fire in Hong Kong.
Your Eminence, dear Cardinal Stephen
It was with deep sorrow that I learned of the devastating fire in Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, and of the tragic loss of life and injury it has caused. On behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and the Catholic faithful of these countries, I extend to you our heartfelt condolences and the assurance of our prayerful closeness at this time.
We commend to the mercy of Almighty God all who have died, praying for their eternal repose, and we hold in prayer the grieving families, the injured, and all whose lives have been traumatised by this disaster. We also pray for you, your clergy, religious, and lay faithful as you minister to those who are suffering and as the Church in Hong Kong offers pastoral and practical assistance.
In moments of such sorrow, the compassion and witness of the Church become a sign of hope for all. May Christ the Good Shepherd grant consolation to the afflicted, strength to those providing care, and peace to your entire community.
With an assurance of my prayers and those of the Catholics in England and Wales.
Yours very sincerely
HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Archbishop of Westminster and President of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
