Archbishop Charles Chaput leads the congregation, which included interfaith leaders and civic officials, in a prayer liturgy for fallen Philadelphia Police Officer Brian Lorenzo July 8 in the chapel of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
Interfaith leaders, city officials pray for peace, fallen officer at Cathedral
Archbishop Charles Chaput presided at an Aug. 3 Interfaith Memorial Service for Healing and Hope at the Chapel of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul for Philadelphia Police Officer Brian Lorenzo, who was struck and killed by an automobile being driven the wrong way on I-95 on July 8.
The service was a joint effort by the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Fraternal Order of Police and the Office of the Mayor.
In attendance was Officer Lorenzo’s widow, Linda Lorenzo, their children Brian, Dominic and Marissa and other family members, clergy representing Philadelphia’s many denominations, fellow police officers and officials and city officials, headed by Mayor Michael Nutter.
Archbishop Chaput, who assured the family of his prayers and sympathy, prayed for an end to violence in our streets and neighborhoods.
Mayor Nutter, who presented the family with a folded city flag, said, “It hurts; the loss of a great person, a great public servant, husband, son and father and dear friend.”
Officer Lorenzo, 48, a 23-year veteran of the police force was an instructor in the motorcycle division and was riding home from his shift on his police motorcycle when he was struck in the early morning hours near the Cottman Avenue exit of I-95.
The driver of the automobile was charged with third degree murder and homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.
Officer Lorenzo’s funeral Mass was held at the Cathedral on July 13.
