August 30, 2007 - Statement of Cardinal Seán On the Death of Firefighters Paul J. Cahill and Warren J. Payne
Today the people of Boston and throughout Massachusetts mourn the loss of two brave firefighters who tragically lost their lives last night. Paul J. Cahill and Warren J. Payne selflessly answered the call to service, placing our public safety above their own needs. At this terribly sad moment we pray for Paul and Warren, their families and friends, the more than 100 firefighters who responded at the fire, and all the men and women of the Boston Fire Department. We pray for those injured last night and ask God to bless them with the strength to recover.
The words of the Firefighters prayer remind us of the commitment to public service that Paul and Warren witnessed with their lives: "I want to fulfill my calling, To give the best in me, To guard my friend and neighbor...." God bless them and keep them.
| A Fire Fighter's Prayer
When I am called to duty, God,
Whenever Flames may rage
Give me strength to save a life
Whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
Put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
To give the best in me
To guard my friend and neighbor
And protect his property.
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life
Please, bless with your protecting hand
My children and my wife.
-Author Unknown |
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