This morning, our hearts were broken by the news of a shooting during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Two children were taken from us—an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old—while seventeen others, including fourteen children and three elderly parishioners, were injured. We mourn with the families, friends, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence. In moments like these,
our mission to bring Mary’s presence and Christ’s love to our communities feels more urgent than ever.
How We Can Respond: Prayer, Presence, and Support
Tonight, let us come together in prayer and solidarity. A special prayer service will be held at Holy Angels in Richfield at 7 PM. All are invited to join, to lift up the victims, their families, and our wounded community to Our Lady and her Son. We encourage you to spread the word and bring others who
need comfort and hope.
- Prayer Service: Holy Angels School, Richfield
- Time: 7:00 PM tonight
- Invite your friends, family, and parish to join in this time of need
- Address of the School: 6600 Nicollet Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423
Messages from our leaders:
Pope Leo:
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV expresses 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. While commending the souls of the deceased children to the love of Almighty God, His Holiness prays for the wounded as well as the first responders, medical personnel and clergy who are caring for them and their loved ones. At this extremely difficult time, the Holy Father imparts to the Annunciation Catholic School Community, the Archdiocese of Saint
Paul and Minneapolis and the people of the greater twin cities metropolitan area his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace, fortitude and consolation in the Lord Jesus.”
Archbishop Hebda:
"...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. That today’s tragedy occurred only a day after the tragic shooting near Christo Rey High School increases the sadness
about the pain and anger that is present in our communities. We need an end to gun violence. Our community is rightfully outraged at such horrific acts of violence perpetrated against the vulnerable and innocent. They are far too commonplace. While we need to commit to working to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies, we also need to remind ourselves that we have a God of peace and of love, and that it is his love that we will need most as we strive to embrace those who are
hurting so deeply... Our Lady, Queen of Sorrows, pray for us."
Message from the Director of March With Mary:
On Good Friday of this last year, I released a song to honor of Our Lady of Sorrows "The Plunging Sword". I'd like to offer it here for reflection and as a prayer for our Catholic schools and communities as we mourn this tragedy.
Please take a moment to pray specifically for the killed, wounded and their parents and siblings. I'd
also like to ask that you pray for the pastor of Annunciation, Father Dennis Zehren, who has been a personal friend in ministry. Click here to listen.
Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray for us.
Justin Stroh and the March with Mary Team
