Faith
Archbishop Calls for Prayer After School Tragedy
Faith Facts
- The Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is requesting prayers after a tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School left two children dead and many injured.
- The assailant fired into the chapel during Mass before dying by self-inflicted gunshot, and authorities are investigating the attack as a hate crime against Catholics.
- Support and prayers have poured in from around the world, including condolences from Pope Leo and other church leaders.
This devastating act occurred during a service intended to mark a new school term, shaking the Minneapolis faith community to its core. People of faith are united in seeking comfort, healing, and a return to peace through prayer and trust in God’s love.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda encouraged believers to lift up the victims, survivors, and families in prayer, asking for divine comfort in this time of grief.
“My heart is broken as I think about students, teachers, clergy and parishioners and the horror they witnessed in a Church, a place where we should feel safe,” he said.
He called on the faithful to press forward in hope, remembering God’s promise of love even amidst the darkness of violence and loss.
Now more than ever, we stand together rooted in Christ, condemning evil, and praying for restoration, as we pursue a world reflecting the peace and love that our Lord intends.