Washington: Cardinal calls for prayers after Navy Yard shootings

Cathedral of St Matthew the Apostle

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington DC, issued an appeal for prayers yesturday after the shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington DC, which left 12 dead and injured several more people.

Cardinal Wuerl said: "I join people of all faiths across our community in praying for the people killed and wounded in the attack at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC. I also pray for the family members and friends of the victims, as well as the first responders and emergency workers at the scene.

"While many facts are still unknown, our most powerful tool right now is prayer. The Church always calls us to prayer, particularly in moments of crisis. It is what we do best because it is what the Lord asks us to do."

The gunman, who was killed by police, was Aaron Alexis, 34. A former US Navy reservist he had a record of severe mental health problems.

Cardinal Wuerl was chief celebrant at a Mass of Consolation and Healing at the Cathedral of St Matthew the Apostle on Tuesday.

Source: Archdiocese of Washington DC