"And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it." John 1:5
This is what we need to remember during dark times like these. I am referring to the
devastating news that came out of the Denver area; the mass shooting at a movie theatre in
Aurora which resulted in the loss of 12 precious lives and the injuries of 50 other innocent
people. Please pray for all the victims, their families, and yes for the man responsible for this
horrible act. Please read this beautiful statement from the Denver Bishops and remember as they point out
so eloquently that the name of the town where the murders took place means "light." Let's ask
the light of the world, our Lord to shine His love and light on a nation and a world in pain.
I hope you will join me Monday morning at 9am ET when the new Archbishop of Denver
Samuel Aquila will be my special 9am guest. The Archbishop will help us understand these
sad events from a truly Catholic perspective.
For information on Catholic Connection visit www.avemariaradio.net and www.ewtn.com .
Joint Statement of Archbishop Samuel Aquila and Bishop James Conley on Aurora
Shootings
Last night at the Century Movie Theater in Aurora , a gunman walked into a full theater and
opened fire on scores of moviegoers. In the largest mass shooting in America in more than five
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"And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it." John 1:5
years, 12 people were killed and about 50 were wounded by gunfire. We are shocked and
saddened by this tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to those impacted by this evil act.
In the chaos of the moment, people poured from the movie theater into the darkness of the
night—the darkness of confusion, of ambiguity, of despair. We stand in solidarity with our
brothers and sisters cast into that darkness. They do not stand alone. As Catholic bishops, we
“weep with those who weep.”
But in Aurora, which means “the dawn,” the sun rose this morning. In a city whose name
evokes the light, people of hope know that the darkness may be overcome. For those who were killed, our hope is the tender mercy of our God. “Neither death nor life,”
reflected St. Paul, “can separate us from the love of God.” We commend their souls, and their
families and friends, to God’s enduring love.
For those who were wounded—physically, emotionally and spiritually, our hope is in their
recovery and renewal. To them we offer our prayers, our ears to listen, and our hearts to love. The road to recovery may be long, but in hope we are granted the gift of new life.
We hope also for the perpetrator of this terrible crime, and we pray for his conversion. Evil ruled
his heart last night. Only Jesus Christ can overcome the darkness of such evil. We hope that all of us may find the peace which surpasses understanding.
The Archdiocese of Denver stands ready to assist the victims of this tragedy, and our
community. Regina Caeli Counseling Services of Catholic Charities will offer counseling over
the next few weeks to those who need it. We look for opportunities to pray with our community. And we continue to work to support families and communities in forming people of peace.
+Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila
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"And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it." John 1:5
Archbishop of Denver
+Most Reverend James D. Conley
Auxiliary Bishop of Denver
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