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LONDON-PRIESTS Jul-7-2005 (460 words) With photos. xxxi
London priest directed by emergency personnel to stay away from scene
By Simon Caldwell
Catholic News Service
LONDON (CNS) -- A London priest who lives near one of the four bombing sites said he stayed away from the scene at the direction of emergency personnel.
"The image of emergency services wanting priests at the scene has finished," said Father Peter Newby of St. Mary Moorfield Parish. "They don't want priests there."
The parish is situated in London's financial district, which was targeted by the bombers July 7.
Father Newby told Catholic News Service that his church was just "a couple of hundred yards" from one of the blasts, but he did not go to the scene because emergency services wanted everyone evacuated.
He said that within hours stillness had descended on his section of London, which was normally bustling with people.
"It is really quiet outside; you wouldn't know anything had happened," said Father Newby.
"There are very few people around. There is very little traffic, and the tube (subway) stations are closed off," he said.
Father Newby said he celebrated two Masses at lunchtime and the mood was "solemn and somber," but he said no one approached him for any counseling or advice.
"When you see the news you think it's massive razzmatazz and chaos, but it's not around here. Obviously, getting home tonight will be very difficult for many people," he added.
Police said incidents were reported underground near the Liverpool Street station, in the Edgware Road station, between King's Cross and Russell Square, and on a bus in Tavistock Square.
London's communications network was limited following the explosions, and stocks around Europe plummeted initially as a result of the blasts.
Father Kit Cunningham, parish priest of St. Etheldreda Church in central London, told The Catholic Times weekly newspaper in Manchester that not as many people attended a lunchtime Mass, "probably due to them not being able to get into the city."
"People were shocked by what happened, and as time goes by it seems the fatalities are getting worse," he said in a telephone interview.
He said the terror experienced by Londoners in the city's recent history, a reference to bombings carried out by the Irish Republican Army in the 1970s and 1980s, were helping city residents deal with the bombings.
"There is a tremendous stoicism among Londoners, and they want to carry on to show they're not depleted," he said.
"There is the distinct possibility, however, that there will be some funerals to conduct in the coming weeks. Everyone must stand together," Father Cunningham said.
Another London priest contacted by a reporter told the caller to hang up immediately because the church line might be needed for an emergency.
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Contributing to this story was Kevin Flaherty in Manchester.
END
Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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