It is with great sadness that I ask for your support. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Damian Meins, husband of the principal at Sacred Heart Rancho Cucamonga, who did not survive yesterday’s attack. May all who have been touched by this tragedy know God’s presence.

A priest in the Diocese of San Bernardino forwarded to me the following email, which was sent to diocesan employees:

Late yesterday, the bishop released this statement:

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, we have experienced another tragic act of public violence, this time in our own Diocese of San Bernardino. Please join me in praying for all of the victims of this horrific incident and their families. For those who lost their lives, we pray for their eternal rest and God’s strength to their loved ones left behind; for those who are wounded, we pray for their health and healing. Let us also ask God to protect the brave men and women in law enforcement who are pursuing the suspects in this case. Our community of San Bernardino has faced great challenges through the years. Let us come together now in unity to bring light to the darkness of this day. In Christ, Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes

Pray without ceasing.