One year ago Uvalde students were terrorized by a gunman who took the lives of their classmates and teachers while at school on May 24, 2022. Today, they are at a memorial Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, celebrated by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia Siller.
“Each of us is here. That means that love won,” the Archbishop said to the standing room only crowd that included family and friends of the 21 people who lost their lives.
“Love wins.” He affirmed to family members who wore shirts with the faces and names of those killed last year.
Let us thank the Lord for allowing us to experience that love conquers everything. True love conquers everything.”
But he acknowledged that everyone is in a different stage of grief and healing.
“We continue sharing the pain while we give thanks for the short lives that were taken a year ago,” he said. “All of us need consolation and comfort.”
He also acknowledged the problem of gun violence in his remarks.
“Having those types of guns in the streets… That doesn’t please God at all. There is a lot of work to do.”
He went on,
“Jesus doesn’t give us guns he gives us the Holy Spirit.”
Archbishop’s vestments for mass were inscribed with the names of all the lives lost a year ago in Uvalde.
Following his homily the names of all the deceased were read as a candle was brought to the altar by loved ones.
At the end, 21 candles stood at the foot of the altar as the Eucharist was celebrated.
At the end of Mass he spoke to the community of Uvalde who he says he feels part of:
Let’s walk together. … Let’s go forward with the protection of the Blessed Mother.”
