“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

“With hearts that are broken and spirits that are crushed, we continue grieving this morning having learned that children of St. Mary’s parish family in Minneapolis were among the students caught in yesterday’s tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. One of them, Sophia, has undergone surgery and remains in critical condition.

“In this time of sorrow, St. Mary’s will offer a Paraklesis prayer service, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, for the comfort and consolation of the victims, survivors, and their families. The service will take place on Thursday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m. All members of the community are invited to participate in prayer, healing, and solidarity. Additionally, professional grief counselors will be available at St. Mary’s for those in need from 5-7pm.

“An event like this does not make sense. Not only does it break our hearts and crush our spirits, it assaults our comprehension, leaving us stunned and confused. How could innocent children be targets of violence? And how could God allow such a horrific tragedy? These and similar questions resist easy answers, and we do well to avoid even well-meaning explanations of yesterday’s tragedy. Holy Scripture reminds us that “God did not make death, and He does not delight in the destruction of the living” (Wisdom 1:13). Perhaps the only appropriate response to the questions that haunt our minds is silence—the silence that also overcomes us as we gaze upon the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ hanging on the Cross. While He did not make death, and does not delight in death or violence, He personally experienced both, for us and for our salvation.

“We humbly ask for the continued prayers and support of our broader faith community—for Sophia, for all the victims and survivors, and for their loved ones.

“May our merciful God hear our broken-hearted prayers and grant His peace and healing grace to all who suffer.”