As the world pauses to observe the 8th Anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings on December 14, we return to the words that Bishop Frank J. Caggiano spoke on the 5th anniversary of the tragedy that touched the entire world and also affected so many lives in St. Rose of Lima Parish.
“Today is truly a somber anniversary for us in the Diocese of Bridgeport community. Five years ago on this day, the town of Newtown experienced one of the worst evils imaginable at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Five years later, the pain and the shock that we hold in our hearts is still fresh. We ache on this day in particular, and every day since the shooting, for the parents, teachers, students and first responders who endured such senseless and horrific tragedy. Let us remember the victims, survivors and their families in our prayers today especially, and every day.
In the face of the unspeakable horror of the Sandy Hook shootings, it is difficult to see the good of humanity. That is why now, more than ever, we must pray for the mercy, healing, and peace that only the Lord can provide. May we find consolation in the fact that each of the 26 people we lost five years ago are cradled in God’s loving embrace, each with a share of the paradise that only he can provide. Today we pray for them, their families, and ourselves. Let us resolve ourselves today to work towards a world where such horror will never occur again and to pray for the Lord’s peace for all mankind.”
Those who wish to offer outside prayer on the anniversary may want to visit the Sandy Hook Memorial at St. Margaret Shrine, 2523 Park Avenue in Bridgeport. Artist Armando Palumbo created the painting of Jesus and the children, which is set in a brick and cement surround. The granite engraving at the base of the memorial reads: “In Loving Memory of the 26 Innocent Lives Taken in Newton, Conn., December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School.”
In this video Msgr. Weiss reflects on the peace of Christmas and the Sandy Hook Anniversary.
