Statement from Bishop David A. Zubik
on the Collier Township Shootings

The following statement was made today by Bishop David A. Zubik on the shootings in Collier on the evening of August 4, 2009:

When senseless acts such as the tragic shootings in Collier occur, our initial response can be anything from horror to hopelessness. Humanity struggles to find some meaning, some message, some shred of something to hold onto when we are faced with lives taken, and others devastated by injury, in a few terrible moments of unspeakable violence.

But as we saw last April after the killings of the three policemen in Stanton Heights, families hold together with their strength and our support. The Pittsburgh community – a community of deep and rich faith – surrounds them, offering help, prayer and comfort. And we see that horror never wins, and hope is always there.

There has already been an outpouring of prayer from every corner of Southwestern Pennsylvania for the victims of this tragedy. They will not be alone, and God is ever so close to them now.

On behalf of all the faithful of the Church of Pittsburgh, I offer my continued prayers and support to the victims. May the families and loved ones of the victims be comforted in these painful days by the grace of God and the love of our entire community.