December 14, 2012 - Cardinal Seán Statement on Tragedy in Newtown, CT*

Cardinal Seán’s statement:

"As I returned from Rome this afternoon I learned of the tragic events that unfolded in Newtown, Connecticut today.  There are no words that can adequately express what the children and families at Sandy Hook Elementary School experienced and the shock and grief that have befallen the Newtown community and our nation. As people of faith we denounce and abhor violence of any kind.  There is no circumstance that justifies the taking of innocent life and it is incomprehensible that children were the victims of this heinous act.  At a time of such great distress we turn to Jesus, who is with us always, even in our most difficult moments, and extends His healing graces in the midst of our pain.  We pray for those who lost their lives today, trusting that they have been received into the presence of the Lord, for their families and for all who are impacted by this national tragedy.  Coming together with genuine care and concern for all people, we will find the strength to support one another going forward, confident that there is no darkness that can overcome the light of Christ."  

Cardinal Dolan’s statement:

Cardinal Dolan Offers Prayers for Families, Victims of Connecticut School Shooting

Violence shatters peace of all

Prays that peace that passes understanding is with them

All called to work for peace in homes, streets, world 

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offered prayers and sympathy for the victims of the shooting in the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, Dec. 14.

His statement follows:

“The shooting tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut wrenches the hearts of all people. The tragedy of innocent people dying through violence shatters the peace of all.  At this time, we pledge especially our prayerful support to the Diocese of Bridgeport and the community of Newtown as they cope with this almost unbearable sorrow. We pray that the peace that passes understanding be with them as they deal with the injuries they have sustained and with the deaths of their beautiful children.  Once again we speak against the culture of violence infecting our country even as we prepare to welcome the Prince of Peace at Christmas. All of us are called to work for peace in our homes, our streets and our world, now more than ever.  In the shadow of this shooting, may we know that God’s sacrificial love sustains us and may those pained so deeply by this tragedy experience that care in their own hearts.”