Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has paid tribute to Jim Dobbin MP after his sudden death on 7 September 2014.
Mr Dobbin, 73, was a tireless defender of life who represented the Labour and Co-operative Parties. He was made Knight of the Pontifical Order of St Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI.
Here below is Cardinal Nichols’ tribute:
«On behalf of the Catholic community, I express profound sorrow at the unexpected death of Jim Dobbin MP on his recent trip to Poland. I share with many a deep sense of loss at his death.
«First thoughts are with his widow and family. I assure Mrs Pat Dobbin of my prayers for her beloved husband and, of course, for her and her family at this time of loss. I pray that the precious gift of faith in the promises of Jesus will strengthen and sustain her in the sure hope of God’s merciful welcome for Jim and his eternal rest in the presence of his living Lord.
«Jim Dobbin has been a stalwart servant of this country throughout his long life, especially in his Parliamentary career. His service was particularly robust and persevering in matters concerning the fundamental dignity of every human life, from the moment of conception to its natural end. This is the most radical service than can be given, for once that fundamental respect for human life is lost, then society is dramatically weakened and the vulnerable put into real danger.
«We salute Jim’s sterling work and thank God for the consistent witness he gave. In the phrase of Pope Francis, Jim was truly a missionary disciple in this land. May he rest in peace as he awaits the final resurrection of all things in the Lord.»
Mt Rev Vincent Nichols
Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
