Bishop Salvatore R. Matano has asked that prayers continue to be offered for an end to the violence now plaguing our country and world.
Prayers offered for shooting victims
"While renewing our prayers for the victims of the horrific violent tragedy in Orlando and united in prayer with the families of all who mourn their loss, we also pray for the victims and families of the terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Bangladesh and Baghdad, and throughout the world where the family of God is being torn apart because we do not acknowledge that all life is sacred and we are all God’s children," Bishop Matano said in a statement released by the Diocese of Rochester July 5.
On June 22, during a Year of Mercy Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, the bishop offered prayers for the victims and family members of the June 12 mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., and called for an end to all acts of senseless violence.
On June 15, Bishop Matano also asked all diocesan parishes to offer special prayers on the weekend of June 18-19 for the Orlando shooting victims, for the consolation of their loved ones and for an end to "senseless, unspeakable violence that scars all humanity in its blatant disregard for the dignity of every person as a child of God."
