MESSAGE FROM NORWAY

Cistercian Community Tautra Norway

On our Bulletin Board we read the message from the Cistrecian Nuns in Norway.

The tragedies bombing and shooting touch us again, knowing how closely  the Sisters of Tautra have suffered in spirit with the whole people.

As you pray you, so many people are in your hearts. 

It was the Mass of St. Joachim and St. Anne and united the Intercessions with you this morning

Thank you, Sr. Rosemary, and for pointing us to deeply moving words of the PM and King Harald, below.

God bless

Donald.

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Rosemary . . .
To: Mark . . .
Sent: Monday, 25 July 2011, 18:10
Subject: Re: Norway

Dear Mark,

 

Thank  you so much!  It is awful - at least 94 young people were shot by
one Norwegian man dressed as a policeman. He had been also seen at the place
of the bombing (7 dead there) and then on the island assembled the youth to
tell them about the bombing and then started shooting them all, even those
who tried to swim away.

We are still in shock but I know God will
bring a greater good out of all this unimaginable chaos!

The Prime Minister Stoltenberg(?) gave an exceptionally strong speech-see if
you can get it all. Then the king also gave a speech..
PRAY!

. . . 

Rosemary

Norwegian PM: Attack 'like a nightmare'

http://www.norway.org/News_and_events/top-stories/Transcript-of-the-Prime-Ministers-speech/

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg spoke at a news conference Saturday about the two-pronged attack on his country the previous day -- a shooting at a youth camp that killed at least 85, and a bomb targeting government buildings in the capital, Oslo, that killed seven. The following is a transcript of his speech:

Transcript of the Prime Minister's speech

www.norway.org

Last updated: 7/23/2011 // The Prime Minister's speech at the press conference Saturday 23 July at 08:00.

Last night, it became apparent that what happened at the Labour Youth League summer camp on Utøya yesterday was a national tragedy. Not since the Second World War has the country experienced such an atrocity. At least 80 young people have been killed on Utøya. We have also lost some of our colleagues in the government offices. It is incomprehensible. It is like a nightmare. A nightmare for the young people who have been killed. For their families. Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who have been brutally confronted with death. But also for the survivors and their families. Every single person on Utøya has been marked for life. Young people have experienced things that no one should have to experience. Fear, blood and death. I am unable to express with words how deeply I feel with all who have been hit. Today – in a few hours’ time – I should have been at Utøya to meet these young people. Many of them are no longer alive. For me, Utøya is the paradise of my youth that yesterday turned into hell. Now we have to do all we can to support and help those who have been stricken by grief. Many people are still working to save lives. I visited Oslo University Hospital last night and applauded the outstanding work the health personnel are doing there. We also extend our thanks to the teams of police and firemen, and many others who are doing a tremendous job. Volunteers have also offered their help. Everyone is doing an impressive job. I appreciate this. We all feel a need to contribute, talk together and take care of each other. Last night, I talked to the leader of the Labour Youth League Eskil Pedersen. He is doing everything he can to comfort and assist everyone who has been hit. Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Culture Anniken Huitfeldt were at Sundvollen last night and in the early hours to support the young people arriving from Utøya and their families. Many people are still waiting for answers. Later today, I will go to Sundvollen to meet these young people and their families. Early this morning, there will be a meeting of ministers who are most immediately affected, and the whole Government will meet later today. Flags will be flown at half mast today to reflect the grief of the whole nation over this terrible tragedy.

 http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/kingharaldvnationaltragedyenglish.htm

[English version based on Google translation]

King Harald V

Address to the Nation on the Bombing Tragedies in Norway

delivered 23 July 2011

 

Norway has been hit by a national tragedy. What we fervently hoped would never happen, has yet happened.

At Sundvolden today we met young people and their families who shared their own horror stories with us. They have lived through a day that none of us can put ourselves in. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy goes to all those affected, in Oslo and Utøya.

Police, rescue teams, medical staff and volunteers have been fighting to save lives and have made a heroic effort for us all, even at the risk of their lives. All of us are affected by this incomprehensible tragedy, struck in disbelief at the news of the growing number of dead.

Amid all the pain and confusion, we've seen the Prime Minister, the Government, and ministries dealing with the situation in an excellent manner.

Both as individuals and as a nation, we will take a long time to digest and process the impact, grief, and feelings. In this process, we need each other. Across the country, people have lost someone they love. There are many children and young people who are afraid today. They must be taken special care of. For many, it is important to be together, while others need quiet reflection. It is good that the country's churches are open to all who want to light candles and need a place to be. It's also great that local authorities and NGOs have offered to those who feel the need to come together.

There is still much we do not know about the background of yesterday's horrific events, and it is important that we let the managers work to clarify things. But something we know: The actions carried out in Oslo and Utøya are an attack on Norwegian society that we value so highly. And they are an attack on the core of the Norwegian democracy.

It is when our nation is put to the test that the strength, solidarity, and courage of the Norwegian people is made clear. Now, we stand firmly by our values.

I remain convinced in the belief that freedom is stronger than fear.

I remain convinced in the belief of an open Norwegian democracy and society.

I remain convinced in the belief of our ability to live freely and safely in our own country.