By Sarah Mac Donald - 03 May, 2014
Bishop Liam MacDaid has appealed to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to take special care of themselves and their loved ones on the roads over the bank holiday weekend.
In a statement on Friday, the Bishop of Clogher noted that road fatality figures so far this year stand at 57 in the Republic of Ireland and 22 in Northern Ireland.
He described the loss of human life on the roads as “heart-breaking” for the loved ones of the deceased and “a tragedy for our society as a whole.”
“Care for one another in our community is a basic human value which travels across all faiths and cultures. This duty of care also applies to our road use and it is fundamental to the common good of society,” he said.
The Bishop appealed to all road users to exercise particular vigilance in terms of safety and to be responsible on the roads over the coming days.
He also welcomed the Gardaí’s initiative highlighting the danger to motorists of being distracted while driving, in particular by mobile phones.
The Bishop of Clogher recommended motorists to pray the following dedicated prayer before driving:
“Before I take my place behind the wheel
I pray, O Sacred Heart – Guide me on my way.
Virgin Mary, Morning Star, from every danger guide this car.
Thou dear Lord who gave it to enjoy,
Grant that its purpose be to save and not destroy.
Amen.”
