Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has offered heartfelt condolences to the Archbishop of Paris, André Armand Cardinal Vingt-Trois, on behalf of all Catholics in Australia, promising to offer Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on Monday night for the at-least 127 victims of terrorism attacks in Paris.
Earlier tonight (Australian time), French President Francois Hollande confirmed that the six co-ordinated attacks were perpetrated by Islamic State, labelling them an “act of war”.
Archbishop Fisher sent a message to Cardinal Vingt-Trois earlier today, expressing Australians’ solidarity with the people of France.
“I write on behalf of the Catholic people of Sydney and of Australia to express our heartfelt condolences on the deaths, injuries and brutal attack on civilisation suffered this day in Paris, perversely so soon after the celebration of the Feast of St Martin and the Commemoration of Armistice Day,” Archbishop Fisher wrote in the message.
“With people all over the world we share in the disorientation and grief of the people of France and especially of your archdiocese who are especially close to our hearts at this time.
“I will offer Mass with civic leaders and the people of Sydney for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for peace in Paris and the world this Monday night at St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney.”
Cardinal Vingt-Trois replied to the archbishop earlier this evening thanking Archbishop for his message.
“My brother in Christ,” the cardinal wrote.
“Thank you very much for your fraternal message. What we are experiencing only leads us to deepen our faith in the face of these events.”
It is anticipated that civic leaders will also attend the Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on Monday night, which begins at 6pm.