CATHOLICS in the northern Tasmanian town of Beaconsfield were taking part in round-the-clock prayers for two miners who were trapped almost 1km underground after a collapse in the local gold mine.
The rockfall on April 25 killed 44-year-old miner Larry Knight and trapped Brant Webb, 37, and Todd Russell, 34.
Mr Todd and Mr Russell were discovered alive on April 30 but rescue efforts were expected to take several more days.
West Tamar parish pastoral associate, Missionary Sister of Service Frances McShane, said Catholics in Beaconsfield attended a prayer service at St Francis Xavier Church on May 2 to pray for the miners and their families.
She said there was not a large Catholic community in Beaconsfield, but they had put all their weight into the prayer effort for the miners.
Sr McShane said the faith of the families had been important through the terrible ordeal.
She said both the Webb and Russell families were certain their loved ones would be found alive.
“And they were,” she said.
Sr McShane spent time with the families affected by the tragedy, including the family of Larry Knight after his body was found.
She said prayers were still needed for the recovery of the two miners.
Parish priest, Franciscan Father Brian Lester, offered prayers for the victims of the disaster at Mass on April 30.
