CUA In the Media

A Zenit News Agency article about the June 22 Metrorail accident quoted part of a statement by Very Rev. David M. O'Connell, C.M., university president. See his comments in the article below.

Bishop Prays for 9 Metro Crash Victims

From: Zenit News Agency
Date: June 24, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C., JUNE 24, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The archbishop of Washington is offering a prayer for victims of a deadly metrorail crash as the names of those killed are being released to the public.

On Monday, two subway trains collided during rush hour, killing nine people and injuring many more.

Archbishop Donald Wuerl led a prayer service the next day at the Metro headquarters for the staff, the people that died and those injured "both physically and emotionally."

He stated: "Let us also remember and place before God in prayer the first responders and emergency personnel who came quickly to the aid of the injured and dying.

"Let us remember the entire Metro family and thank God for their service to this community."

A press release from the archdiocese recalled the "professionalism and deep commitment of Metro employees to provide safe and efficient transportation for the community," during Benedict XVI's visit to the city last year.

The Catholic University of America, which is located along the Metro's red line where the accident happened, released a statement today to report that there are no fatalities from within their community.

Father David O'Connell, the university's president, affirmed, "Such incidents are a sobering reminder of the fragility of human life and of our solidarity with our neighbors."

He added, "May our gracious and loving God be our strength at this sad and difficult time."