8 Christian Reactions to Fla. School Shooting: From Prayers to Gun Law Talk
7. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that that the tragic shooting was "needless." He also noted that the violence occurred on Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent, the liturgical observance that lasts for six weeks before Easter.
"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," DiNardo said in a statement on Wednesday.
"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," he added.
"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)."