Cardinal Dolan Pledges Prayer, Support For Archdiocese Of Oklahoma City

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy M.Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops,pledged prayers and support for the people of the Archdiocese Oklahoma City,struck by tornadoes May 20.

Hepromised the support of the U.S. bishops and Catholics in the United States ina letter to Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City.

Theletter follows.

Dear Archbishop Coakley,

Ourhearts ache with you as we learn of the terrible tornadoes that struck yourarchdiocese yesterday in the town of Moore outside Oklahoma City. As Iexpressed in our telephone call earlier today, the deaths of so many,especially beloved children in their school, call us to join you and thefaithful of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in prayer for the consolation of allwho feel this terrible loss.

Theexperience of loss of family members, homes, neighborhoods, and even the localhospital, shows a devastation that impels us to stand with you and all the goodpeople of Moore both in prayer for comfort and in efforts for disaster reliefto ease the suffering of those whose lives have been affected by this dreadfuldisaster.

May thewords of Jesus, "Behold I am with you always," and who calmed the storms, bringhope and comfort at this sensitive moment in the history of your diocese whichsadly has known great tragedy before from other natural disasters, but whichhas always united in courageous and loving efforts to restore hope to all.

May all those affected by such pain feel the strength Godoffers them and the compassionof allwho stand with them, be it in their hometown or miles away.

Fraternally yours,

Timothy Cardinal DolanArchbishop of New YorkPresident, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

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Keywords: Oklahoma City, Archbishop Paul Coakley, CardinalTimothy Dolan, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, bishops, tornado

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