Cardinal Vincent Nichols has written to the Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, to express his deepest sympathy and prayerful solidarity in the aftermath of the “tragic and senseless” shooting at the Annunciation Church in the US city.
Two young pupils were killed and 18 others injured in the attack on Wednesday, 27 August.
Cardinal Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference, wrote that he was deeply moved by Archbishop Hebda’s message in response to the tragedy stating that it reflected “the shared cry of countless people around the world who stand with you and the people of Minnesota in grief, in prayer, and in hope”.
“We unite with you in entrusting the souls of the departed to the mercy of our loving God through the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Peace,” he wrote. “May they rest in peace and rise in glory. Your remembrance of the students, teachers, clergy, and parishioners who endured such horror in a place meant for sacred refuge resonates deeply with all of us, as fellow shepherds and followers of Christ.”
Cardinal Nichols also commended the swift response of the law enforcement agencies, emergency medical personnel and those who brought order amid chaos. Praising their service as “a living witness to Christ’s healing presence in times of darkness”.
The Catholics of England and Wales are united with you in prayer. May the mercy of God and the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your people now and in the difficult days ahead.
Yours very sincerely,
H.E. Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Archbishop of Westminster
Picture courtesy of CBCEW