By Staff, January 26, 2026
Archbishop Calls for Prayer and Reflection in Wake of Tragic Shooting
In the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda has issued a statement calling for prayer and reflection. The shooting resulted in the loss of life, and the Archbishop has asked all people of good will to join him in prayer for the victim, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, and his loved ones.
The Archbishop emphasized the need for peace and unity in the face of hatred and prejudice. He stated that true justice and peace can only be achieved when we “rid our hearts of these negative emotions and see each other as brothers and sisters created in the image of God.”
To facilitate prayer and reflection, the Cathedral of Saint Paul will be open all afternoon with extended Eucharistic Adoration. The Archbishop will also be offering a Votive Mass for the Preservation of Peace at 5:00 p.m. Additionally, a Mass will be held at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis for Alex Pretti, his family, and the Twin Cities community.
The Archbishop’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and reflection in times of crisis. By coming together in prayer, we can work towards creating a more peaceful and just society.
Here on campus, Right Reverend Douglas Mullin, OSB, Abbot of Saint John’s Abbey called for a day of prayer and fasting on Friday, January 23rd, complete with a 2 hour window of adoration in the Abbey church.
As faithful, we are called to suffer with the oppressed. Many of us are feeling righteous anger and are taking initiative. Let us pray to start and end all of our initiatives first by asking God’s blessing, and then proceed with the underlying confident assurance of the Light of Christ. May we let this truly restorative light shine into our hearts and then pour out into the world around us. May we be beacons of hope in this broken world.
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