The family of the eight year-old boy killed in the double bombing at the Boston marathon are said to be Catholics who are heavily involved in their church.
Martin Richard, aged eight, was killed in the explosion, while his younger sister Jane suffered a serious injury to her leg. Their mum, Denise, was also badly hurt in the blast as they waited for their dad to cross the finish line.
It's believed they attend St. Ann's parish in Neponset. Premier contacted the church but was told by a spokesman that out of respect for the family they will not be commenting at this time.
The two blasts near to the finish line claimed the lives of two others and injured around 140.
A senior White House official has described the blasts as "an act of terrorism", while President Obama is pledging to bring the individual or group behind the attack to justice. The blasts happened within seconds of each other and it's thought some of the runners who were heading towards the finish line had turned back, right into the path of the second explosion. Footage of the aftermath shows smoke billowing up between buildings as crowds of onlookers scramble to leave the viewing stands. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility and the FBI has now taken over the investigation and hunting those responsible.
The Catholic Archbishop of Boston is expressing solidarity with all those affected by the double bombing at the Boston marathon.
In a statement the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston expressed deep sorrow by the "senseless acts of violence".
Cardinal Seán O'Malley said:
"Our prayers and concern are with so many who experienced the trauma of these acts, most especially the loved ones of those who lives were lost and those who were injured, and the injured themselves.
"In the midst of the darkness of this tragedy we turn to the light of Jesus Christ, the light that was evident in the lives of people who immediately turned to help those in need today.
"We stand in solidarity with our ecumenical and interfaith colleagues in the commitment to witness the greater power of good in our society and to work together for healing."
A prayer service at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston will take place at 12.15 local time with Bishop Gayle E. Harris presiding. Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori of the US Episcopal Church has released a prayer following the attacks.
She said:
"Gracious God, you walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death.
"We pray that the suffering and terrorized be surrounded by the incarnate presence of the crucified and risen one.
"May every human being be reminded of the precious gift of life you entered to share with us.
"May our hearts be pierced with compassion for those who suffer, and for those who have inflicted this violence, for your love is the only healing balm we know.
"May the dead be received into your enfolding arms, and may your friends show the grieving they are not alone as they walk this vale of tears.
"All this we pray in the name of the one who walked the road to Calvary.
Prayers are being said all around the world as 'PrayforBoston' is trending on Twitter.
Dr Jonathan Oloyede is the Founder of the National Day of Prayer and Worship. He told Premier's Marcus Jones during the News Hour that he wants all Christians to be 'prayerfully alert'.
Margaret Evans is the Senior News Editor at WBUR radio station.
She tells Premier people there value the prayers.
Seven runners from Trinity Church Copley Square, who were competing in the Boston Marathon to raise money for the church's anti-violence initiative, escaped injury in the explosions that happened within 300 yards of the church's front porch. Gerald Coates heads up the Pioneer Network of Churches and had a friend running in the marathon. He tells Premier how we can be praying.
US President Barack Obama says those responsible will feel the "full weight of justice".
Speaking from the White House, he paid tribute to those who helped wounded runners and spectators:
"Make no mistake, we will get to the bottom of this and we will find out who did this, we'll find out why they did this.
"Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice."
David Cameron has described the scenes from Boston as "shocking and horrific." The Foreign Office says it hasn't been informed of any fatalities from the UK but its representatives remain in close contact with local authorities in the U.S. There now expects to be even tighter security for Baroness Thatcher's funeral tomorrow and the London marathon on Sunday.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said:
"The bombings in Boston are shocking, cowardly and horrific, and the thoughts of all Londoners will be with the victims.
"Boston is a proud City built on history, tradition and a real sense of community. These attacks were aimed at its core, at innocent men, women and children enjoying a Spring day out at a major sporting event.
"We do have robust security measures in place for Sunday's London Marathon, but given events in Boston it's only prudent for the police and the organisers of Sunday's race to re-examine those security arrangements."