Bishop Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of the Clifton Diocese in the west of England, has expressed his sorrow after a UK-bound Air India plane crashed just after take-off from Ahmedabad airport in the Gujarat region of India. Bishop MacDonald, praying for all affected, made particular reference to the impact on communities in his diocese:
“It is with great sorrow that I learned of the devastating crash involving Air India flight AI218 earlier today. The loss of life, the fear and anguish experienced by survivors, and the uncertainty facing families who still await news of their loved ones weigh heavily on us all.
“In a special way, my heart and prayers go out to the families in our own diocese who have been affected. The news that three members of the Gloucester community – Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa, and their daughter Sara – are believed to have been on board brings this global tragedy very close to home. I join the Gloucester Muslim Society in their grief and in offering our deepest condolences to all who mourn.
“In this moment of pain, we turn to the God who is close to the broken-hearted. Whether in Gloucester or elsewhere, every life lost or forever changed by this tragedy matters to God – and to us. May the families of all the victims be comforted with compassion, surrounded by solidarity, and upheld in prayer by people of every faith and goodwill.
“I ask the Catholic communities across the Diocese of Clifton to pray this weekend for all those who have died, those who are injured, and for the many families – especially in Gloucester – left in shock and sorrow. May the light of Christ shine in this time of darkness.”
Pope and Cardinal pray for victims of London-bound plane crash in India
Following the tragic news of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, in the Indian state of Gujarat, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference offered his prayers for the 241 victims and their families.
Meanwhile in Rome, Pope Leo expressed his condolences and offered prayers. In a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope said he was “deeply saddened by the tragedy involving an Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad.” Read more.
