MESSAGE OF ARCHBISHOP DANIEL
Concerning the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, Minneapolis, MN
August 27, 2025
To the Clergy and Faithful of Saint Mary Cathedral, Minneapolis
Beloved in Christ,
I have just learned of the tragic shooting which took place at Annunciation Catholic School, Minneapolis, earlier this morning. Like you and with you, I am shocked and grieved.
At this moment, it is reported that two young and innocent souls have lost their lives and more than a dozen others, both children and adults, are being treated for their injuries, some of which are life-threatening.
This heinous attack took place while the students at Annunciation Catholic School were gathered in Church, celebrating the Holy Eucharist with their clergy, teachers, families, and fellow students. One cannot think of a more holy or safer place to be than in church, surrounded by the people who love you. Nor can we think of a more sacred action to be participating in than offering prayers of thanksgiving to Almighty God. And yet, evil itself entered that sacred and holy moment and tragically took two lives and devastated countless others.
Please know that I am with you today as I join you in offering prayers for all the victims. Many in the media are already invoking a quote we have heard too many times before: “sending thoughts and prayers.” However, many are also acknowledging that these words have long ago lost their sincerity or their ability to bring comfort. Yes, we pray, invoking God’s mercy upon the world. However, today as I join you in prayer in the wake of this horrendous tragedy, I also acknowledge that we must do something more than pray. As Christians sent into the world by Christ Himself, let us recognize that Christ sends us to actively work to bring an end to all that is evil so that we, as children of God, may live together in the peace that comes only from Christ.
Lord, have mercy!
With love in Christ,
+DANIEL
Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest
