After he learned of the Jan. 29 midair collision of a passenger jet and an Army helicopter at Reagan National Airport, Father Frederick H. Edlefsen, pastor of nearby Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Arlington, rushed to the airport, accompanied by parishioner Joe Mazel.
The priest spent several hours there overnight, ministering to and consoling people assembled in the American Airlines terminal, who were awaiting news of their loved ones on board. Emergency response officials later indicated that the incident left no survivors, according to WTOP News.
In a post on the parish website Jan. 30, Father Edlefsen expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in the crash, and said that the Mass intention for this weekend’s 5:30 p.m. vigil Mass Feb. 1 will be for the deceased victims of the accident and their loved ones. The original intention for that Mass was transferred to the Feb. 6 evening Mass that begins the parish’s Forty Hours devotion, leading into the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
“In a special way, our prayers accompany the souls of the deceased to God’s mercy. May they find peace and eternal light in His love,” Father Edlefsen wrote.
“May the mercy and goodness of God console the living and give eternal life to the deceased. Please keep all airline, airport, first responder and government personnel who have been affected by this accident in your prayers. Moreover, please pray for everyone in our area, given that Reagan National Airport is an integral part of our community. Also, please remember the people of Wichita, Kan., in your prayers well.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the deceased rest in the peace of Christ.”
