The patriarch of Lisbon, D. Rui Valério, prayed today at the new memorial for the victims of the Elevador da Glória accident, at the inauguration ceremony promoted by the Lisbon City Council, at Largo da Oliveirinha, near Calçada da Glória. The Catholic leader asked that the memory of the tragedy becomes a commitment, responsibility and attention to others.
The derailment of the century-old carriage occurred a year ago, resulting in 16 dead and 24 injured, from 15 different nationalities. During the ceremony, D. Rui Valério highlighted that each victim had a name, a face and a story, and that the longing felt by the families is the ultimate mark left by love.
The memorial work comprises 16 limestone blocks positioned radially around a secular olive tree, which was blessed by the patriarch as a sign of respect for the families' pain. In the prayer pronounced, D. Rui Valério asked that the tree silently speak to all who pass by, recalling honored lives and reminding that true memory consists of taking better care of life in the present.
After the inauguration ceremony, the patriarch of Lisbon will preside over the Memorial Mass and suffrage for those who lost their lives, at the Church of S. Roque, at 12:30.
