Bishop celebrates Mass on 'sad day' as community remembers miners

Published: 2006-01-09

PHILIPPI, W.Va. (CNS) -- "Today is a very sad day for the church in West Virginia and for the people of West Virginia," Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston said to those gathered for Mass Jan. 8 at St. Elizabeth Church in Philippi. The community was remembering the 12 coal miners who lost their lives after the explosion at the Sago Coal Mine in Upshur County and were praying for miner Randal McCloy Jr., the only survivor. Philippi lost three of its residents in the incident, and Bishop Bransfield came to celebrate the Mass to help foster healing and to bring comfort to the community. The bishop said the black ribbons that draped the front doors of St. Elizabeth "signify the sorrow of all of us for the miners who have perished, the one who remains ill and for their families who continue to suffer through these difficult days." Concelebrating the Mass with the bishop were Father Andy Kranyc, pastor of St. Elizabeth, and Msgr. Mark Ward, pastor of St. Zita Parish in Masontown.

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