In response to what was reported to be the worst U.S. aviation crash in more than a decade, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge offered a special Mass at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington Jan. 30, to pray for the victims and families of those impacted by the accident which occurred approximately 15 hours earlier.
In the face of such tragedy, there is a tendency to feel helpless, he said at the start of a Mass to Pray for the Victims of the Tragic Accident at Reagan National Airport. “But we’re not.”
“We are able to gather here today in faith, and to entrust all those who have died to God’s loving embrace,” he said, “to ask the Lord to bless and strengthen and console their family members and friends. And to watch over all first responders, who always are there to help and protect others. We do this united as God’s family, united in the faith we profess.”
A regional American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kan., on its descent into Reagan National Airport late Jan. 29 collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter on a training exercise. American Eagle Flight 5342 carried 60 passengers and four crew members, according to the airline website. As of mid-day Jan. 30, WTOP News reported that local emergency responders considered their work a recovery operation, indicating they did not expect that any of the 64 people aboard the airplane or the three U.S. Army soldiers on the helicopter had survived.
During his homily, Bishop Burbidge said that “mere human words” cannot explain or respond to such a tragedy, but that providentially Scripture provides God’s comfort and support.
“ ‘Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that brings us hope for He who made the promise is trustworthy,’ “ he said, quoting the first reading (Heb 10:19-25).
“Jesus by his own cross and Resurrection allows us to share in his victory. He promises that all untied to him and his cross, will experience the transformation of suffering to glory and even death to life.”
“A tragedy like last night is also a reminder to all of us of how fragile life really is,” he added. “Each new day is a gift. Each moment we have with loved ones is a gift. Each day to do good for others is a gift.”
Recognizing that fact and not taking it for granted may be “the most powerful way we can honor those who lost their lives,” he said, adding that by radiating Jesus’ love through our example and good deeds, we can brighten the lives of others.
In a statement issued prior to Mass, Bishop Burbidge indicated that the unidentified victims included “at least two from our own parishes.”
After he learned of the accident, 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.
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.
“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 responders, 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, Kansas, 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.”
Pope Francis offered his condolences to the families of victims of the midair collision and to the entire nation.
“I express my spiritual closeness to all those affected by this tragedy,” the pope said in a telegram sent Jan. 30 to U.S. President Donald Trump.
“In commending the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of almighty God, I offer my deepest sympathies to the families who are now mourning the loss of a loved one,” the pope wrote.
“I likewise pray for those involved in the recovery efforts and invoke upon all in the nation the divine blessings of consolation and strength,” he wrote.
The Associated Press reported that passengers included a group of figure skaters, their coaches and family members returning from a training camp following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.
Catholic News Service contributed to this story.
