Church responds to Colorado shooting

(Vatican Radio) Eleven people remain in critical condition after a gunman opened fire early yesterday morning in a Colorado theatre, claiming the lives of 12 people and wounding 58 others.

Police have apprehended 24 year old James Holmes, who is accused of entering an Aurora cinema during the midnight showing of the most recent Batman film, where he released tear gas canisters before opening fire.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people gathered in the city of Aurora for a candlelight vigil to mourn those who were killed in Friday’s shooting rampage.

And on Friday evening, Denver Archbishop Samuel Aquila celebrated Mass for the victims of the shooting. “Blessed are those who mourn,” the Archbishop said in his homily, “for they will be comforted. The heart of our Father is stronger than the bullets that killed 12 people.

Catholic Charities of Denver also issued a statement, saying, “We invite the community to join us in ongoing and fervent prayer as we seek to serve those who were wounded – physically, emotionally and spiritually – by this evil act.” The charity will offer counselling services over the coming weeks to for those in need.

The Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Denver, James Flynn, spoke to Vatican Radio about how the Church, and the community, are responding to the tragedy.

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