WASHINGTON (June 9, 2004) -- This is the text of a message sent today (June 9) by the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory, to Nancy Reagan, widow of President Ronald Reagan:

On this day on which the body of President Reagan is brought here to lie in state in our nation's capitol, we thank God for the life and witness of this great man whose love for freedom and liberty so profoundly affected the whole world.

We join in prayer for the repose of his soul, for your consolation and that of his bereaved family, and all those who mourn his passing.

With the deepest sympathy of the Bishops of the United States, I am

Sincerely yours in the Lord,


Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory
Bishop of Belleville
President

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