In a tragic accident that has moved all of Madrid and brought condolences from the cardinal archbishop, a 5-year-old girl was killed last Thursday, November 4, as she was leaving school.
A mother was trying to park her minivan, and put the vehicle in gear instead of reverse, leading her to strike three students. The older two students were taken to the hospital in grave condition, but the youngest died at the scene.
The older siblings are still in the hospital in serious condition, though their lives are no longer in danger.
"I unite myself to the suffering of the families affected by the accident at Montealto school, with a prayer for all of them and especially for those who lost their daughter," Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra tweeted the next day.
Now, as the family has laid to rest the little girl, the community continues to be both consoled and awestruck by the reaction of the parents.
At the scene of the accident, the mother showed how deeply her faith inspires her actions. She works in the school administration, so she was able to arrive to her daughter's side, embracing her and telling her she loved her, even as the first responders were losing the battle to save her.
Once the child had died, the mother stood ... to console the driver of the vehicle. That mom was distraught, devastated by what she had done, albeit accidentally.
A letter that the parents have since distributed through WhatsApp continues to show their faith shining through.
While thanking the community for so much prayer and support, and acknowledging their profound grief, they recognize they also must be present for their other five children.
Then they turn their thoughts to the driver. They urge her to find consolation in God and to recognize his power to bring good out of all things. They remind her that she can't be considered culpable for what was an accident.
While we continue to pray for all those affected, we ask God for faith like theirs. And we call on their little daughter -- Mariquilla -- to pray for us.
