Message from Bishop Patrick regarding the incident in Nottingham City Centre

Statement from Bishop Patrick, upon hearing the news:

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The thoughts and prayers of the Catholic Community are with the families and loved ones of those killed and those injured in this morning’s tragic events in Nottingham City Centre. We express our thanks to all the emergency services involved in responding to this incident.

In the face of such horror in the heart of Nottingham, our response must be one of a greater commitment to continue working together to build peace, solidarity and hope on our streets and in our City.

During this time, Saint Barnabas Cathedral on Derby Road remains open for anyone at all who might wish to seek some quiet space to reflect and process this morning’s terrible news.

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Bishop Patrick McKinney, 13th June 2023

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University of Nottingham Catholic Community

Following the devastating events that took place in our city yesterday morning, we all of us here at the University of Nottingham are still coming to terms with its aftermath. As many of you will now be aware, two of the three victims who lost their lives were undergraduate students on our campus: Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar.

Firstly, as the Catholic Chaplaincy to the University we want to assure you that our prayers are indeed with Barnaby and Grace, their friends, families and loved ones - along with those for the third victim, Ian Coates who also tragically lost his life.

Secondly, both Fr David and I wanted to get in touch to reassure all members of our Catholic Community, that we are very much available to support you during this difficult time. Whether you would like time to talk, to pray, to reflect on these recent events, we are both contactable via all the usual means and our Oasis Chaplaincy space remains open. The Chapel (A floor, Portland Building) also remains open for prayer, reflection and a time of peace.

In addition, a Vigil will be held on the steps of The Portland Building today at 4pm, along with a Book of Condolence being set up in the building.

As we approach the closing of this term - and a time where all our students are looking to the future and a summer break - there is a somber feeling across our campus. Please do continue to pray for one another and for those who have lost their lives, remembering also the words of comfort given to us by Our Lord: "I am with you always, yes until the end of time" (Matthew 28:20).

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