Denver: Shock at tragedy, prayers for victims and survivors
(Vatican Radio) Joint Statement of Archbishop Samuel Aquila and Bishop James
Conley
Last night at the Century Movie Theater in Aurora, a gunman
walked into a full theater and opened fire on scores of moviegoers. In the largest
mass shooting in America in more than five years, 12 people were killed and about
50 were wounded by gunfire. We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy. Our hearts
and prayers go out to those impacted by this evil act.
In the chaos of the
moment, people poured from the movie theater into the darkness of the night—the darkness
of confusion, of ambiguity, of despair. We stand in solidarity with our brothers
and sisters cast into that darkness. They do not stand alone. As Catholic bishops,
we “weep with those who weep.”
But in Aurora, which means “the dawn,” the sun
rose this morning. In a city whose name evokes the light, people of hope know that
the darkness may be overcome.
For those who were killed, our hope is the
tender mercy of our God. “Neither death nor life,” reflected St. Paul, “can separate
us from the love of God.” We commend their souls, and their families and friends,
to God’s enduring love.
For those who were wounded—physically, emotionally
and spiritually, our hope is in their recovery and renewal. To them we offer our
prayers, our ears to listen, and our hearts to love. The road to recovery may be
long, but in hope we are granted the gift of new life.
We hope also for the
perpetrator of this terrible crime, and we pray for his conversion. Evil ruled his
heart last night. Only Jesus Christ can overcome the darkness of such evil.
We
hope that all of us may find the peace which surpasses understanding.
The Archdiocese
of Denver stands ready to assist the victims of this tragedy, and our community.
Regina Caeli Counseling Services of Catholic Charities will offer counseling over
the next few weeks to those who need it. We look for opportunities to pray with our
community. And we continue to work to support families and communities in forming
people of peace.
-Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila Archbishop of Denver
Most
Reverend James D. Conley Auxiliary Bishop of Denver