One day after the terrible massacre of innocent victims in Nice as they were celebrating Bastille Day, Fr Pascal Boidin SM, Parish Priest of Notre Dame de France, the French church in London, has written a heartfelt letter to parishioners expressing his sorrow and dismay.
In the letter, he says:
'Last night, the evening of our national holiday, Nice suffered a terrible attack. Our friendship and our prayers are with the victims of the attack and those closest to them. Today, we feel sorrow.
'My feelings are of shock and incomprehension. How is it possible that one man can kill in cold blood others who are like him? How has it come to that?
'As Christians, we are called to turn our gaze towards Jesus. On the cross, he suffered blind and beastly violence at the hands of his persecutors. His resurrection is a witness to the fact that life is stronger than the wickedness of these people. Today this remains my hope, a small light in the darkness.'
Masses at Notre Dame this weekend will be offered for the victims of the massacre and for peace. Bishop Nicholas Hudson is expected to celebrate Mass with the parish at 6pm on Saturday 16 July. The Taize prayer on Saturday evening will also be offered for peace.
Below is Fr Pascal's letter in French:
