“The shadow of the Cross has fallen again over Liverpool in the tragic and appalling events of last night"
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Archbishop-elect John Sherrington at the Mass of Installation today
Archbishop-elect John Sherrington at the Mass of Installation today
(Image: Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral)
The new Archbishop of Liverpool has said "the shadow of the cross has fallen again over Liverpool" in the aftermath of the horrific incident in which a car ploughed into pedestrians at the Liverpool FC Premier League parade yesterday, May 26.
In his first service marking his initiation at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Archbishop-elect John Sherrington described last night's incident as "tragic and appalling". In a statement, he said: “The shadow of the Cross has fallen again over Liverpool in the tragic and appalling events of last night.
"The city wakes up this morning, experiencing that cross. The joy of the day turned to deep sadness, and many families have been effected by the trauma of those events.
"We pray for all those who have been injured and those working to save life in hospitals. We are grateful for the work of emergency services.
"While we see the dreadful images, I know that the people of Liverpool will unite together and be close to those who are suffering.
"This is part of who we are. Let us pray and work to build peace together. This is a gift which comes at the end from Christ, who said, ‘Peace be with you'.
Police officers at the scene of the incident
Police officers at the scene of the incident(Image: AFP)
"At the same time, we gather today in the hope that the light of Christ will shine into the darkness of people’s lives, just as it pours its many colours into this great Cathedral which is often described as the ‘soul of the city’.
"This light in all its colours dispels the darkness that clouds people’s lives, takes away hope and diminishes them."
Thousands of Catholics of all ages from across the archdiocese had been expected to gather at the cathedral to celebrate the investiture of a new Archbishop of Liverpool, which coincides with the Feast of St Augustine of Canterbury.
Also attending were the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía; Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales; along with bishops and clergy from across England and Wales and civic leaders and representatives from other faiths.
In a press conference this afternoon, Merseyside Police confirmed a total of 65 people were injured after a car drove into crowds in the city centre just after 6pm on Monday. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said that 11 of those people remain in a stable condition in hospital and appear to be recovering well.
A 53-year-old man from West Derby has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving whilst unfit through drugs. He remains in custody.
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