Catholic leaders have been stepping up to help guide people following the horrific incidents that took place Wednesday at Annunciation Catholic church and school complex in Minneapolis. In a telegram sent to Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis, Pope Leo expressed his “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child.” Vatican News reports more on the Pope’s thoughts and prayers in this link.
In our Diocese, Bishop Patrick Neary also released a comment following the tragedy. In a statement he says, “My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, our hearts are shattered by the horrific act of violence that occurred at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. Children were gathered for Mass. Teachers were beginning a new school year. Families were entrusting their loved ones to the care of the Church.
I grieve deeply with the families, students, staff, and parishioners of Annunciation. I grieve with our neighbors in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. And I grieve with every person who now carries the trauma of this senseless violence.
As Catholics, we believe in the dignity of every human life. That dignity is destroyed when violence becomes routine.
May Christ, the Prince of Peace, bring healing to all who are wounded, and may Our Lady of Sorrows intercede for us in this time of grief.”
† Patrick M. Neary, C.S.C., Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud
At St. Mary’s School in Alexandria, Principal Troy Sladek responded immediately following the incident. Law enforcement were on the Alexandria campus moments after they received word of the Twin Cities shootings. Although there are already protocols in place for safety, Sladek and Police Chief Scott Kent also had a conversation to make sure the students were safe and parents kept abreast of what was taking place.
In this weekend’s homilies, Father Matthew Kuhn drew a connection to the need to comfort the afflicted, but to also pay attention to the people among us who need someone to talk to. His homily can be found through this Facebook link.