Denver bishops Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and Bishop Jorge H. Rodriguez issued the below joint statement May 25 after 21 innocent lives were taken by a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, 19 of which were children.
“Words fail to describe the shock and pain that yesterday’s mass shooting has inflicted on the community of Uvalde, Texas, taking the lives of 19 children and two teachers.
On behalf of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Denver, we offer you our spiritual closeness and heartfelt prayers to God for an outpouring of his consolation and healing. We encourage the pastors of our parishes to include intentions in the Prayers of the Faithful throughout the week for those in Uvalde, most especially all the families who have lost loved ones. Further, we encourage people to pray a rosary this week seeking the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe for her to extend her maternal comfort to those who have lost family.
In Colorado we unfortunately know all too well the heavy toll inflicted by mass shootings within our state, and we join our voices to all who are calling for serious efforts to better identify the warnings signs that a person might be a danger to their community and to pass laws that sensibly address the availability of high-powered, rapid firing weapons.
Even more important than these efforts is the need for the life-changing power of the Gospel to be proclaimed in every place, including in the wake of this tragedy. Mass shootings like this are a devastating reminder of just how broken our world is, and that Jesus Christ is the only one who can truly heal wounded hearts and free those held captive by sin. Catholics must take the mission of bringing Christ to others seriously. May his peace and healing descend upon the people of Uvalde and on all those who have lost someone in this senseless and evil attack.”
+Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila +Bishop Jorge H. Rodriguez