Fort Worth Catholic Bishop Michael Olson said in a statement on the fatal school shooting at Santa Fe High School in Galveston County May 18 that he was offering prayer for healing and safety for “all involved and affected by the tragic and senseless school shooting in Santa Fe High School.”
“I repeat the call of my fellow Catholic bishops in the United States that leaders in positions of authority must explore ways to curb gun violence and give law enforcement the necessary tools to identify and help troubled individuals,” Olson said.
“We pray for those affected by this violent act and for all victims of violence, in whatever form,” he said.
Olson said that the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth strives to ensure the safety of its parishes and schools and that efforts to enhance security began before the horrific shooting and deaths at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. That shooting Nov. 5, 2017, killed 26 and injured 20 others.
The Diocese retained a professional security firm comprised of active duty police officers, detectives, SWAT team members and instructors with expertise in security, Olson said in the statement.
“They have been establishing new diocese-wide safety protocols and systems, are recommending hardware upgrades, conducting assessments of each parish and school, crafting comprehensive security plans for each location and are assisting parishes and schools to set up security teams,” he said.
“While it is prudent to put in place appropriate security measures, we must do more by uniting in prayer for the conversion of the hearts of those who harbor malice toward their neighbor and for a society that protects and values every human life from the moment of conception. May Our Lady of Victory assist us in our deliverance from evil,” Olson said.
¬– FWBP Staff