Archbishop issues special intention for Good Friday services

Archbishop J. Peter Sartain has asked all parishes in the Archdiocese of Seattle to include a solemn prayer for the victims of the March 22 Oso mudslide during the intercessions on Good Friday, April 18.

In a message sent Thursday, April 10, to priests and pastoral coordinators, the archbishop wrote: “All of us are deeply saddened by the devastating landslide that occurred several weeks ago in Oso, and we have been keeping everyone affected by this tragedy in our prayers. Father Tim Sauer, pastor of the parishes in Darrington and Arlington, has often expressed his gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of love, prayer and assistance that has come from many parts of the Archdiocese and beyond.”

He continued: “There are certain times when the diocesan Bishop may ask that all parishes include a special intention in the intercessory prayers during the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, and I believe this is one of those times.”

He included the following prayer to be said at the end of the traditional Good Friday intentions:

“Let us pray in particular for those who have died in the landslide in Oso, for their families, communities, and all those who have responded to their needs, that our God and Lord may wipe away every tear.

“Almighty ever-living God, who rule both the living and the dead, and are merciful to all, show forth the immense power of your goodness, that, even as we weep for our brothers and sisters, taken from us by a sudden death, we may be confident that they have passed over into your eternal company and, stirred by this hope, enable us to console and aid those who suffer. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

April 11, 2014