Mourning victims in Newtown, Connecticut

(Vatican Radio) Flags are flying at half staff in the State of Connecticut this weekend, where the worst elementary school shooting in the nation’s history took place on Friday. Before he himself perished, the gunman claimed 26 victims including 20 young children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Authorities have identified the gunman as 20 year-old Adam Lanza.

Hundreds of people gathered at St. Rose of Lima parish church in Newtown on Friday evening, to pray for the victims, and to seek and offer consolation. The governor of Connecticut, Dannel P. Malloy addressed the gathering. “People’s children, brothers and sisters, were taken from them,” he said, “people’s spouses, those teachers and administrators were taken from us.” Neverthless, he continued, “[W]e stand in a church and many of us today and in the coming days will rely upon that which we have been taught and that which we inherently believe: that there is faith for a reason and that faith itself is God’s gift to all of us.” Listen to our report:

Malloy went on to say that the incident will try people’s faith in God and in community. “In the coming days and in the coming weeks,” he said, “I will pray that you will help each other that you lift one another up, that you understand the difficulties that you collectively will undergo: keep in your prayers the children who lost their lives [Friday]; keep your prayers the adults who lost their lives.”

Pope Benedict XVI sent a Message of condolence to the Diocese of Bridgeport (in which Newtown is situated) in which he conveys his grief and the assurance of closeness in prayer to the victims and their families, and to all affected by the shocking event. In the Message, Pope Benedict goes on to ask God’s consolation for those who mourn, and for strength and sustenance for the entire community, especially in the form of forgiveness, hope and reconciling love.