Bishop Vann’s Statement on the San Bernardino Tragedy: A Call to Mercy in the Face of Evil
Solidarity with Our Brothers and Sisters in San Bernardino
The horrendous tragedy that unfolded in San Bernardino on December 2nd was a tragic and wanton disregard for life and an affront to the world God wishes that we foster on earth. We stand in solidarity and faith with the people of the Diocese of San Bernardino these days.
A Loss Felt in Our Own Community
This tragedy has a human face here in the Diocese of Orange this week, as the days of visitation, prayer, and the Mass of the Resurrection are here for Tin Nguyen. Tin was killed in the shootings and was a member of St. Barbara parish in Santa Ana.
Responding to Evil with Faith and Love
Such inhuman acts of violence coldly remind us of the presence of evil, hate, and objectification that exists in our world, while calling us as people of faith to ever more fully embrace the love of God, reach out to our friends and neighbors, and draw the human family ever closer together.
Our Holy Father Francis reminds us: “However dark things are, goodness always re-emerges and spreads. Each day in our world, beauty is born anew.”
A Pledge for the Year of Mercy
As we begin the Year of Mercy, let us pledge to show Christ’s profound love and mercy to the victims of these tragic events and to those called to darkness and hate. Let us be messengers of Divine Mercy in our world, especially in these Advent days!
The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, JCD, DD
Bishop of Orange
From an Interfaith Service in San Bernardino
PHOTO CAPTION/CREDIT: Bishop Gerald R. Barnes of San Bernardino, Calif., Rabbi Jay Sherwood, the Rev. Sally Burton and the Rev. Norman Copeland read a “Prayer for Our Government” during a Dec. 7 interfaith service at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino. (CNS photo/Dima Otervertchenko, The Tidings)