Bishop Michael Pfeifer Of San Angelo Issues Statement After Midland Train Tragedy
By: Big 2 News Staff
Updated: November 16, 2012
SAN ANGELO -- Bishop Michael Pfeifer of the Diocese of San Angelo has released the following statement after a train ran into parade float in Midland Thursday, killing 4 wounded military service members and injuring 17 other people.
"I sincerely ask all of you to offer special prayers for all of our dear veterans who were killed and injured, and for all their grieving family members and friends, in the fatal train crash as these veterans were taking part in the "Hunt for Heroes" parade in Midland. These heroes were heroes to the end, and they deserve our recognition and especially our prayers. Please include them in the Prayer of Intercession of all the Masses offered in all of our churches in the Diocese of San Angelo this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18, 2012.
"I also strongly encourage all of you to organize at a local level, or take part in other efforts already organized, ecumenical services to remember these fallen heroes sometime between now and Thanksgiving Day. In a personal way, please let all of our people know the personal grief and sorrow I feel at the loss of these dear heroes who have served God and country so well.
"Just recently we celebrated Veteran's Day, a day when we remember all of those who have served God and country with much dedication and fidelity, many of them making the supreme sacrifice of their lives. They deserve our recognition and appreciation. All gave some, and some gave all.
"At a local level in San Angelo, I am recommending to Goodfellow Air Force Base, the local Veterans group, and the "Hunt for Heroes" group to prepare an ecumenical service, and I am offering to host this at Sacred Heart Cathedral."
"I sincerely ask all of you to offer special prayers for all of our dear veterans who were killed and injured, and for all their grieving family members and friends, in the fatal train crash as these veterans were taking part in the "Hunt for Heroes" parade in Midland. These heroes were heroes to the end, and they deserve our recognition and especially our prayers. Please include them in the Prayer of Intercession of all the Masses offered in all of our churches in the Diocese of San Angelo this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18, 2012.
"I also strongly encourage all of you to organize at a local level, or take part in other efforts already organized, ecumenical services to remember these fallen heroes sometime between now and Thanksgiving Day. In a personal way, please let all of our people know the personal grief and sorrow I feel at the loss of these dear heroes who have served God and country so well.
"Just recently we celebrated Veteran's Day, a day when we remember all of those who have served God and country with much dedication and fidelity, many of them making the supreme sacrifice of their lives. They deserve our recognition and appreciation. All gave some, and some gave all.
"At a local level in San Angelo, I am recommending to Goodfellow Air Force Base, the local Veterans group, and the "Hunt for Heroes" group to prepare an ecumenical service, and I am offering to host this at Sacred Heart Cathedral."
