His mercy is greater than we can imagine

The following statement was read at prayer services held April 20 in the Columbine area.

Dear St. Francis Cabrini parish, Light of the World parish and all others who have gathered tonight,

I am truly sorry I could not be present with you this evening. I was in Wichita at the time of today's tragedy, and I'm on my way home tonight.

Finding the right words is difficult at a time like this, even for archbishops. I cannot begin to understand the anguish you feel. Nor can I offer an explanation for why such a tragic event could occur. I can only say that if you seek out God's comfort, He will walk with you — even at a moment like this. His mercy is greater than we can imagine.

We will all agonize in the coming weeks over what could have prevented today's tragedy. The answer may never be clear, but I'd like to repeat something the U.S. bishops wrote in a document called Confronting A Culture of Violence.

They said, "The best antidote to violence is hope."

Each of you is a sign of that hope, especially the young people among us. It's up to us to be Christ present in the world, if we are to build a society that respects all human life.

Please know that my prayers are with each of you this evening, and with all those who lost their lives today. I will continue to pray for those suffering in local hospitals and for all those people awaiting news on the condition of a loved one. And, though it may be difficult tonight, I ask your prayers for the perpetrators of today's crimes, that they will encounter God's mercy.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the priests, deacons, religious and other counselors who have been present to those in need today. May God bless you for your efforts and bring you strength.

And may God be with each of you tonight and throughout this difficult time.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Cap.