Hundreds gather in prayer for victims of Minneapolis bridge collapse

Published: 2007-08-03

ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) -- Hundreds gathered Aug. 2 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul and St. Olaf Church in Minneapolis to pray for victims of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis Aug. 1. Coadjutor Archbishop John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul-Minneapolis led the cathedral prayer service, while Father Kevin McDonough, vicar general, presided at a Mass at St. Olaf. At the cathedral, Archbishop Nienstedt said in his homily that God was not at fault for the disaster. "That was the fault of human causes," he added. "Indeed, my dear brothers and sisters, you and I together and all the citizens of these Twin Cities find ourselves today in the depths of distress." He acknowledged the "quick and professional response of the city and state officials, police officers and fire personnel, the (American) Red Cross and all those volunteers who assisted those afflicted in this horrible experience." He said, "In moments of urgent need, it is a consolation to know that there are those who are ready, willing and able to lend a helping hand."

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