On June 29th, organized by the Irish Outreach Ocean City and the local Irish community, a Memorial Mass was held at Holy Savior Catholic Church for the victims of the Berkeley tragedy.  Pat and Rick Fairbend, coordinators, sent notice via social media and word of mouth to the Irish J-1 students working this summer in Ocean City. Many AOH/LAOH members, who also volunteer at the Center, attended the Mass with many of the Irish students.

 

Welcoming the Stranger is not merely a book about the past.  It speaks also to the present and points us to the future.   It highlights the importance of supporting our emigrants and providing assistance to them when in difficulty. 

 

If evidence of this were needed, we have only to remind ourselves of the recent and unimaginable suffering of the families and friends of those who perished and were injured in the awful tragedy in Berkeley, California. It is my fervent hope that the pain they continue to endure may be salved - even slightly - by the solidarity, support and prayers of the global Irish community.  To this end I encourage everyone to continue to remember in their prayers those who have died and those who were injured in Berkeley and their families.

 

I also wish to commend all those who have provided comfort and support to the families, friends, fellow J1 students and indeed, anyone, affected by this tragic event.  The Irish Immigration Pastoral Centre in San Francisco has been at the forefront in providing support and practical assistance, in conjunction with the Irish Consulate, Aer Lingus and many others. The importance of such pastoral centres - in times of crisis and otherwise - cannot be overstated.  On my own behalf, and on behalf of the bishops of Ireland, I wish this evening to sincerely thank Mr Jimmy Deenihan, TD, Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Mr Charlie Flanagan, TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and their staff for the tremendous support provided to the families and friends of the bereaved and injured.  The work undertaken in doing so has been nothing short of heroic. It epitomises a true pastoral outreach and all that is best in who we are as Irish people.

 

 

Similarly, the importance of and the generosity from, our diaspora, was once again made manifest in Berkeley.  One could not but be struck by the scenes of hundreds of young people holding a prayerful vigil for their friends and fellow J1 students. When they prayed - we prayed with them. Let us continue to do so and remember them now in a quiet moment of prayerful silence. 

 

To read the entire address, go to: IAUSA website.