ST. PAUL, Minn. (OSV News) -- Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda told media Aug. 27 that prayers offered from around the United States and world, including from Pope Leo XIV, have been "a source of hope" following that morning's mass shooting during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis that left two children dead and 17 other victims injured.
"Brothers and sisters, we have to be men and women of hope," he said. "It's through prayer and that 'prayer of the feet' -- through action -- that we can indeed make a difference."
Archbishop Hebda joined Annunciation Catholic School Principal Matt DeBoer and other city and state leaders in a media briefing outside Annunciation Catholic School and the adjacent Annunciation Catholic Church. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara were present and also spoke at the afternoon press conference.
Speaking as the church bells tolled, Archbishop Hebda noted that "the bell in a Catholic church is always a call to prayer. ... It's a reminder to be praying."
He commended DeBoer, Annunciation's pastor Father Dennis Zehren, and Deacon Kevin Conneely for "how valiant" they and their staff were in responding to the tragedy.
"How sad it is ... not only for the families who are directly involved, but indeed for families everywhere who feel the threat that comes from an event, a tragedy like today's," he said.
Archbishop Hebda read in full that day's message from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, that expressed Pope Leo's prayers and "spiritual closeness" to the victims.
"We know that the Holy Father, Pope Leo, did his hospital training right here in Minneapolis, so he knows our community, and he's been reminding anybody visiting from Minnesota that he spent some time here," he said. "We're very grateful for his blessing, but I ... ask that you would continue to look for those ways of supporting those who have been impacted today, not only with your prayers, but also with your action."
A 23-year-old gunman shot from the outside of the church through windows at the Mass attendees with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, killing two children, ages 8 and 10, before committing suicide. Among the 17 injured were 14 children, all expected to survive. Three adults who were shot were parishioners in their 80s.
Speaking immediately before Archbishop Hebda, DeBoer commended his staff and told his school community, "I love you."
"You're so brave, and I'm so sorry this happened to us today. Within seconds of this situation beginning, our teachers were heroes," he said. "Children were ducked down. Adults were protecting children. Older children were protecting younger children, and ... it could have been significantly worse without their heroic action.
"This is a nightmare," he continued, "but we call our staff the dream team and we will recover from this. We will rebuild from this. ... We as a community have a responsibility to make sure that no child, no parent, no teacher ever has to experience what we've experienced today."
DeBoer said, "We lost two angels today. Please continue to pray for those still receiving care."
