The Catholic community in England is expressing their sadness and dismay after the murder of a Catholic school teacher in Leeds, England.
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Ann Maguire, 61, who died from multiple stab wounds after she was attacked earlier this week at Corpus Christi Catholic College.
The teenager will appear at Leeds Youth Court on Thursday.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols issued a statement yesterday expressing his «utter shock and sadness at the tragic killing.»
“My heart goes out to her husband and daughters, to their wider family, to everyone at Corpus Christi Catholic College and to the parishes connected to the College.”
«I want to assure them of my prayers, and those of the entire Diocese of Westminster at this time. May the Lord comfort the bereaved, consoling them with his unshakeable promise of eternal life.»
He added: «I pray, too, that through the shock, distress and anger that this action evokes, the light of Christ may shine, a light that calls us to trust in his merciful love, that brings us a touch of calm and healing and that opens our hearts to each other in our bewilderment and dismay.»
Upon hearing of the tragedy, Chairman of the Catholic Education Service, Archbishop-elect Malcolm McMahon, said he was «shocked and saddened to hear of Ann Maguire’s death”.
The archbishop extended his prayers, “and those of every Catholic parish and school in England and Wales,” to her family, friends, colleagues, and everyone affected by the “senseless tragedy”.
«Ann gave her life to the College and Catholic education, and thousands of young people have benefitted from her kindness and hard work over many years. May she rest in peace.»
Msgr. John Wilson, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Leeds, also issued a statement following the attack, in which he described Maguire as a “longstanding and much loved teacher at Corpus Christi Catholic College”, noting that she was nearing retirement, having been with the school for 40 years.
«She was an outstanding teacher, gifted with a warm and loving personality. Her contribution to the life of the College was immense. She taught generations of students including parents of some students currently at the College”.
«Ann was a woman of strong Catholic faith and a deep commitment to her vocation as a teacher. She will be deeply missed by so many people. We pray to the Lord that she may she rest in peace and rise in glory.»
