From stuff.co.nz:
TEARS OF JOY
The Dean of ChristChurch Cathedral cried when he was told early today there were no bodies buried in the rubble of the church.
The Very Reverend Peter Beck got a telephone call about 1am from the head of the Urban Search and Rescue task force, Ralph Moore, who told him the shattered cathedral had been checked and rechecked and there were no bodies in the rubble.
"I was expecting to get a call from him saying they had found a body and I and my colleagues were going to go down and say prayers at the side of the body.
"But of course I got this other news and I just burst into tears. I was speechless, It was unbelievable."
Thanks be to God! Earlier predictions estimated that as many as 22 people might have been inside when the tower of the cathedral collapsed.
The death toll was lifted by two to 165 today....
Eternal rest grand unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
O merciful Father, you who taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve your children: Look with compassion upon the sorrows of your servants in Christchurch, New Zealand, for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with comfort and a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
H/T to Andrew Gerns at The Lead.
It is feared the final toll will be about 220.
ReplyDeletehttp://crofsblogs.typepad.com/h5n1/2011/03/christchurch-earthquake-friday-update.html
New Zealand does seem fortunate (and well prepared) in that the authorities (from the national government on down) and people have reacted in a reasonably organized way to the disaster.
Sad, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteThe leaders and the people of NZ do seem to be handling the situation well.
It was such wonderful news although the silly reporter asked the Dean would there be a "celebration". He wisely replied 'perhaps a service of thanksgiving but we are still mindful of the many who have lost family and friends.' I think it would have always marred the cathedral if so many had lost their lives within it.
ReplyDeleteBrian, this is such good news, but what a question from the reporter!
ReplyDelete