US Bishops call for prayer and healing after latest school shooting

Source: USCCB

Following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, called for prayer and healing.

The full statement follows:

"We are deeply saddened by the shootings in Broward County, Florida, and by the needless and tragic loss of life. May the mercy of God comfort the grieving families and sustain the wounded in their healing. Catholics and many other Christians have begun the journey of Lent today. I encourage us to unite our prayers and sacrifices for the healing and consolation of all those who have been affected by violence in these last weeks and for a conversion of heart, that our communities and nation will be marked by peace.

I pray also for unity in seeking to build toward a society with fewer tragedies caused by senseless gun violence. Our hope is in the Lord, as he promised after his resurrection, 'behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age' (Mt. 28:20)."

On 14 February 2018, a former student, Nikolas Cruz, 19, went on a shooting rampage, killing 17 and wounding more than 15, including students and teachers, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, north of Miami. This was America's 17th school shooting since the beginning of 2018. Some reports say it was the 19th.