I join the faithful of the Diocese of Arlington and all our neighbors in the Washington metropolitan area to express my profound sorrow at the terrible air collision that occurred Wednesday, January 29th between a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines jet just moments before the passenger plane was set to land.

I will offer the 12:05 p.m. Mass on January 30th at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More for all the victims of this tragedy.

We share a sense of shock at this sudden profound loss of so many lives here in our community, both civilians and military personnel training to keep us safe. We grieve alongside the many who have lost beloved family members, friends, colleagues, and fellow parishioners, including at least two from our own parishes. We ask our gracious God to comfort all those who mourn.

I also express my deep gratitude to the first responders from every surrounding jurisdiction who rushed to the Potomac River accident site and braved frigid waters and winds to search for survivors and victims. May God reward their bravery and dedication and watch over them always.

May Jesus Christ, the source of all love and the object of all hope, console all in this time of deep sorrow.