Statement on the Mass Shooting at the Monterey Park Dance Club

Most Reverend José H. Gomez
Archbishop of Los Angeles

January 22, 2023

With the whole family of God here in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, I am praying for the victims of this violence.

We pray for those killed and injured in this shooting, we ask that God stay close to their families and loved ones. We pray for the wounded to be healed, and we ask that God give strength and guidance to the doctors and nurses who are caring for them.

We ask that God grant wisdom and prudence to law enforcement and public officials working to make sense of the violence and keep our communities safe.

And we pray for peace. Peace in the hearts of those who are troubled. Peace in the hearts of those who are afraid and hurting today, and peace for those whose faith has been shaken.

We pray also for peace in our own hearts. We pray that we might feel God’s love and know that he will deliver us from every evil.

We ask Our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede for us, to be a mother to us in this hour of pain and uncertainty. May she help us to care for those who are suffering and to be healers and peacemakers in our world.