Bishop offers prayers for trapped miners and their families

Published: 2006-01-03

WHEELING, W.Va. (CNS) -- After learning of the explosion at the Sago Coal Mine in Upshur County near Buckhannon that left 13 coal miners trapped Jan. 2, Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston expressed his deep concern for the miners and said he is praying for them and for their families. Rescue efforts were under way for the miners who were trapped 260 feet below ground as their families waited at the nearby Sago Baptist Church. Bishop Bransfield pledged the prayers and support of the people of his diocese during this time. "As the coal miners and their families struggle through this unimaginable tragedy, I join with the people of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and all West Virginians in praying for them and that they will soon be reunited," Bishop Bransfield said. "This tragedy is being felt at all ends of our state and this is a time when we must come together as one in prayer," he added.

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