Statement
Since the shocking fire at Wexford General Hospital on Wednesday I have been overwhelmed by stories and examples of courage, kindness and mercy of the women and men of our emergency services and medical staff, whose prompt actions no doubt saved human lives.
I have been told of people who took risks in love and charity, and who went the extra mile to help the sick and vulnerable and remove them from the distressing circumstances of the raging fire. I wish to salute the bravery of our fire service personnel and, in particular, the leadership of hospital manager Linda O’Leary, and her management team. She has indicated that services are due to return on a phased basis as soon as vital infrastructure is restored. From the bottom of my heart I thank God for our unsung heroes, these Good Samaritans, in our community.
It is miraculous that there was no loss of life caused by this extensive hospital fire and that over 200 patients were safely protected and transferred to other hospitals. This weekend I intend to offer a Mass of Thanksgiving to God in gratitude that no person was killed by the fire, and for the intentions of every person who helped to remove patients from danger and successfully contain the fire. I invite each parish of the Diocese of Ferns to include prayers of Thanksgiving in their Masses over this weekend.
I have also been reassured by the prayers of the faithful who, through their spiritual works of mercy have been praying, and in Eucharistic Adoration, for the hospital patients who have suffered additional anxiety and had to be displaced because of the fire, as well as for all those who helped and took risks in the service of the common good.
ENDS
- Bishop Ger Nash is Bishop of Ferns