The Archbishop of Westminster condems the London riots

The Pimpernel admits stretching the "liturgical" remit of this site just a little in this post, but the statements below demonstrate how central to daily Catholic life liturgical realties are, or aren't.

The events of the last few nights in parts of London and elsewhere are appalling. The criminal violence and theft are to be condemned as offences against God and man. They are evil acts contrary to the natural law of Almighy God and to all that is true and good.

I direct that Catholics pray for all those who suffer as a result of this evil and do all that is within their means to provide comfort and assistance to them in their various and different needs. I ask Catholics to assist at Mass, celebrations of the Divine Office, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and offer their intentions and their worthy Communions that the designs of the Evil One may be defeated.

I recall to all parents their duty under God to love, educate, correct and discipline their children so that the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil may not overcome them.

I call on all Catholics to seek the triumph of grace through ardent prayer and real sacrifice in the face of the Evil One who tempts our young people to become involved in such sinful, criminal and self-destructive behaviour.

These events are evidence of a profound malaise in the very roots of our society. Let us all pray, sacrifice and work, with urgent and evangelical fervour for the conversion of all to Christ and to His one true Church. Let us welcome those who come late to this Truth with the compassion of Christ Himself. Let each of us do all that we can with the spiritual and secular means at our disposal, to bring all to Christ and His Church, only through whom we ourselves, our society and our country can find the Truth and rejoice in true peace.

Oops, sorry, a little editorial gloss. Here, without further delay, is the statement of the Archbishop of Westminster on the London riots:



Archbishop Nichols (right)

“The scenes of the last few nights in parts of London and elsewhere are shocking. The criminal violence and theft that have been witnessed are to be condemned. They are a callous disregard for the common good of our society and show how easily basic principles of respect and honesty are cast aside. “

“I ask that Catholics pray especially for those directly affected by the violence, for those facing danger on the streets, for those whose livelihood has been ruined, for those whose lives are marked by fear, for those whose parents are worried about the behaviour of their youngsters and for those who, at this time, are being tempted into the ways of violence and theft.”

“In the face of these difficulties, a forthright common effort is needed to ensure that these times bring out the best in our society and not the worst. I am sure that, as Catholic citizens, we shall play our part with clear principles for living, both as individuals and as a society, with honesty, compassion and prayer.”

+ Vincent Nichols
Archbishop of Westminster