After the tragic air accident in Washington DC (United States), on Wednesday night, a local priest went to the place to “be present” with the families in duel.
Frederick Edlefsen, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Arlington, Virginia, shared how he could be present for families that night in an interview with Colm Flynn in “Ewtn News Nightly.”
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P. Edlefsen got ready to rest after a long day, when he checked his phone and saw the news: a passenger plane had crashed with a Black Hawk helicopter from the United States army near the Reagan National Airport and had sunk in the Potomac River.
As the airport was just over a kilometer and a half of its parish, the priest was close.
“I felt that it was really my duty. I felt an impulse, let’s call it the gifts of the Holy Spirit or the Guardian angel, ”he recalled. “But the airport is within the limits of my parish; We have many Reagan airport travelers, airline staff comes to our masses, etc. So I felt: I need to be there. ”
P. Edlefsen contacted a parishioner and gentleman of Columbus who had experience in law and its application. The parishioner accompanied the priest to the airport and the Admirars Lounge by American Airlines.
“We could be present, not only for the families in duel, but also for the staff who, when they went to work this morning, did not know that this was going to affect them,” said the priest.
Fr. Edlefsen remained with the families, listening to them and praying with them while waiting for news about their loved ones in the accident. It was not until 1:00 am when the families learned that there were no survivors.
“At about 1:00 or 1:30 or so, it was when Washington DC police officers arrived, and they told families not, that there were no survivors,” said Fr. Edlefsen. “Moving from the search and rescue to recovery can take some time, and also identify the bodies and remains of the deceased. So it was a hard blow to those families. ”
This was the first important commercial accident occurred in the United States In almost 16 years.
Fr. Edlefsen highlighted how important it is to respect the privacy of the families that are grieving and “who are still trying to understand what happened.”
“A tragedy like this not only causes pain, but it is a very intimate pain,” he reflected. “It was probably one of the most intense moments and pain situations that I have seen in my almost 24 years of priesthood.”
The tragedy is especially devastating for its magnitude. The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew, while the helicopter had three soldiers on board. The repercussions were felt throughout the country, since those who were traveling aboard the passenger plane were from all parts of the United States, including Wichita, Kansas; Boston; and Washington DC
“Because these cases usually occur within a family, or in one or two at the same time,” said Fr. Edlefson. “But in this case they were several families. Several people have lost several loved ones. All are in a state of total shock. They don’t know what to say or how to react. And they are waiting for the best news. ”
Asked how he responded as Minister, Fr. Edlefsen said he simply focused on being present.
“The support here and the presumption is that nothing is said,” he said. “You are only present. You listen. ”
In the midst of pain, it is essential to be present and listen, explained Fr. Edlefsen.
“It’s hard to explain, but most of the time it’s okay to say ‘Can we pray together?’ And it has to be simple and brief, ”he said. “But now it is not to say anything. The presence is the important thing and the security of your presence. But at the same time, perhaps, also the will to pray, perhaps giving someone a blessing if he asks for it. But having the visibly present church is absolutely key. ”
Fr. Edlefsen plans to offer a vigil mass at 5:30 this Saturday by the victims of the accident and their families, as well as other people involved: American Airlines personnel, Reagan airport staff, lifeguards and all people involved.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.
Kate Quiñones
Kate Quiñones is a Catholic News Agency and Member of College Fix. It has publications on the Wall Street Journal, the Denver Catholic Register and Catholicvote. He graduated from Hillsdale College. Live in Colorado with her husband.