CARDINAL Griffin has issued the following message: We mourn the loss of a great King. By his selfless devotion to duty, by his loving interest in the welfare of his people. by his courage in face of illness and by his magnificent example of family life, King George VI won a unique position in the hearts of his subjects.
He was a true father of his people and as such we mourn his passing. To his gracious Queen, to Het; Majesty Queen Mary, and to all members of the Royal Family we offer, on behalf of the Catholics of England and Wales, our deepest sympathy and the assurance of our prayers that Almighty God may console and strengthen them in their deep personal loss.
To our new Queen, who has already won our hearts by the manner in which she has followed the tradition established by her predecessors we offer the assurance of our sympathy in the tragic circumstances surrounding her accession to the throne.
We pray that Almighty God may lighen the burden of the vast responsibilities Her Majesty now assumes and offer her the assurance of our prayers and devoted loyalty.
May her reign 'be blessed with peace and prosperity.
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Bishops' sympathy _
Cardinal Griffin, on behalf of the Bishops, clergy and faithful of England and Wales. has addressed a telegram of sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family and a telegram of condolence and loyalty to the new Sovereign.