Mourning in Minneapolis

As I watched with horror and profound sadness the aftermath of the tragic events at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis last week that ended with the death of a ten-year-old boy and an eight-year-old girl as well as the wounding of 18 other children and three adults, the line from the prayer Hail Holy Queen came to my mind – “mourning and weeping in this valley of tears”. Many tears were shed in Minneapolis and throughout the world for the children of Annunciation School and the adults of their parish. Many prayers were offered, from Pope Leo in the Rome to people of many different countries. This heinous assault on these innocent children and the adults was an attack on the whole Body of Christ, the Church. Just like a pebble dropped into a pond, the untold violence caused waves of sorrow and pain to move through the hearts of many who could not believe that such a terrible act could occur.
            
After our thoughts and prayers went to the grieving families of the Annunciation School and Parish, the question was then raised, “How do we begin the healing of hearts in the wake of such a heart-breaking act?” We know in faith that first we go to the Heart of Jesus who has borne all pain and sorrow for us in His Passion and Death. We open our hearts to His Heart. We confess that He can heal the wounds of all. We pray especially for the healing of the victims and their families. We reaffirm our faith in the victory of Jesus that conquers all evil and death by His dying and rising from the grave.  
            
Still, it is so difficult a grief to bear. As we continue to struggle to contend with the darkness of such violence and evil, I suggest that we consider two facts about this attack on innocent life.
            
First, we consider the place. Even though it is unthinkable such an act would happen in a Catholic church, it is important to recognize that this sacred place dedicated to God is under the patronage of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Annunciation proclaims that God Himself will take flesh in her virginal womb. It commemorates that the Son of God came into a world that was so darkened by sin in order breathe new life into people. A heinous act that takes innocent life in a house of God is defeated by God made man whose innocent flesh on the Cross redeems us all. After Our Lady’s “Fiat”, her “Let it be done to me according to Thy Word”, Jesus becomes Emmanuel, “God-with-us”.  No darkness or evil can stop that. The Annunciation to our Blessed Mother shatters the darkness of the attack in Minneapolis and restores hope.
            
Second, we think of what was happening in Annunciation Church. The school children of the parish were gathered for the opening Mass of the academic year. The Mass, greatest act of prayer and praise, had just begun. The great deed of mercy, Christ’s Passion and Death on the Cross and His Resurrection, would have become present on the altar and He would graciously spread the Paschal Banquet of the Lamb out for them in His Body and Blood. However, an act of violence and rage seemed to defeat the healing Presence of the Lord as the Mass was interrupted by the bullets that were fired and the lives that were taken.  
            
But nothing could be farther from the truth! For the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus continues to beat in the tabernacle and the wounds that He bears in His Flesh continue to heal those who were fallen and those who mourn their loss. For, no evil can defeat the love that Christ continues to pour out upon us all and gives especially to His people at Annunciation Church where His Eucharistic Love pours out mercy and healing for all. May we seek Him who is Eucharistic Emmanuel for consolation and peace. Especially when evil comes upon us, He is with us!
 
Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh