Thursday, August 28, 2025
Feast of Saint Augustine of Hippo
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the wake of yesterday’s fatal shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, I extend my condolences to the Most Reverend Bernard Hebda, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and to the school principal, Mr. Matthew DeBoer, as a representative of his school community. May they be assured of the prayers, sympathy, and support of the people of the Diocese of Lansing at this tragic time.
News reports suggest the gunman had scrawled "Where is your God?" on a rifle magazine used during the deadly attack. As ever, Sacred Scripture provides us with a divine riposte: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Through the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26–38), God broke into human history to save us through suffering. We have a God who was betrayed and beaten and killed (Mark 14–15). We have a God who mourned and wept at the death of his loved ones (John 11:35). We have a God who is always near to us, especially in moments of trial and torment.
As Saint Augustine, whose feast we mark today, rightly observes: "God is profoundly and intrinsically close, more intimately present to us than we are to ourselves" (Confessions Book 3, Chapter 6).
Please pray for the repose of the souls of those who were killed; for healing for those who are injured; and for solace for those who are grieving.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for them.
Our Lady, health of the sick, pray for them.
Our Lady, comfort of the afflicted, pray for them.
Assuring you of my prayers, I am sincerely yours in Christ,
+Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing