Dearest Brothers and Sisters,
                  Our nation has once again been victimized by a horrendous act of violence and hatred in the tragic shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Violence as a response to political, racial or religious indifference cannot be tolerated and we must not return evil for evil.
                  All of us are deeply grief-stricken over this tragic event. Let us stand with, and pray for, our Jewish brothers and sisters as we continue to work to find an end to hatred and bigotry of any kind. Let us pray for peace in our communities and for all people of faith to be able to worship God in peace and security.
Through the intercession of the maternal heart of Mary, may God grant healing to the injured and comfort to the families who have lost loved ones.
May the Lord have mercy on us and help us extinguish the fires of hatred that have developed in our society.

Bishop Myron J. Cotta