The recent tragedy in Minneapolis has left the community in mourning as they gather to grieve and seek solace. At the Academy of Holy Angels, located just two miles from the site of a devastating shooting at Annunciation Church, a vigil drew people from various faiths and backgrounds, all united in their sorrow. This community event served as a poignant reminder of the violence that has become all too familiar in American life.
On a day filled with grief, hundreds of individuals gathered in a park nearby, participating in another vigil that called for stricter gun control measures and an end to senseless violence. This outpouring of support highlighted the deep connections within the Twin Cities metro area as church leaders convened to pray for the families affected by the tragedy. Many attendees had personal ties to the school, feeling the pain of loss as if it were their own.
The horrific shooting occurred during morning mass at the Annunciation Catholic school, which had just begun its first week of classes. A gunman opened fire, targeting students and staff with a barrage of bullets that shattered stained-glass windows and struck innocent victims. Tragically, two children, aged eight and ten, lost their lives in this senseless act of violence. Fourteen other children and three adults sustained injuries, though officials reported that all were expected to survive. The shooter, in a shocking turn, took their own life at the scene.
As parents and children filled the gym at the Academy of Holy Angels, many arrived with infants in their arms and teenagers by their sides. The opening prayer resonated deeply, calling upon God: “Our children were suddenly and violently taken from us. Come swiftly to our aid.” Inside, vocalists led hymns while attendees embraced one another, weeping for the lives lost and the families shattered by this tragedy.
Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda addressed the grieving crowd, expressing his hope that their collective prayer would provide comfort to the affected families. He emphasized the bravery of children who shielded their friends during the attack, showcasing the remarkable courage and love that emerged amidst devastation. He reminded the gathered community of the school’s scriptural theme for the year, Jeremiah 29:11, which speaks of hope and a future filled with promise.
As attendees prayed for the victims, their families, and the first responders, two crosses were erected outside the gym in memory of the children who lost their lives, with “mercy and compassion” inscribed on the back. The scene mirrored previous vigils held this summer after the tragic murder of state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, emphasizing the ongoing struggle against gun violence.
The Hortman family released a heartfelt statement, expressing that no one should endure the pain of losing loved ones to gun violence. They called for action to ensure that children can attend school safely and that families can live without fear. “We hope this tragedy spurs elected officials to take action towards common sense measures on access to high-powered weapons so that no one else must suffer,” the statement read.
As night fell, the number of flowers and messages of support outside the Annunciation school continued to grow, with signs proclaiming “RIP angels.” In nearby Lynnhurst Park, participants held candles and listened to speeches from elected officials advocating for change. Mayor Jacob Frey described the shooting as an “unspeakable tragedy” and emphasized the need for the community to transition from being “united in grief” to “united in action.”
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan shared her feelings as both a mother and a Catholic, urging the community to stand firm against violence. “We need to love our babies and our children more than our guns,” she declared, echoing the sentiments of many who gathered in solidarity. The collective voice of the community resonated with the urgent call for stricter gun laws and a commitment to ensuring safety for all.
