“Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Like many of you, I have been following the heartbreaking local news this morning about a devastating house fire in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia that claimed more than a dozen lives.

In the name of the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, I extend my deep condolences to all those in mourning. Please join me in praying fervently for the happy repose of the those who have died, for the speedy recovery of those who were injured, and in gratitude for the fire, police, and medical personnel responding to this tragedy. 

May the Lord wrap his loving mantle of mercy around them all.”

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.

Archbishop of Philadelphia