Community in Minneapolis Gathers to Find Solace and Address Heartbreak Following Tragedy
In the heart of south Minneapolis, the Annunciation Catholic Church has been shaken by a devastating event. On Wednesday morning, the tranquility was disrupted as an assailant opened fire during a service, taking the lives of two innocent children and injuring 19 others.
The attacker, identified as 23-year-old Robert Westman, who legally changed his gender to female and name to Robin Westman in 2019, carried out the heinous act from outside the church. Westman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
The Rev. Dennis Zehren, the pastor at Annunciation Catholic Church, and Archbishop Hebda, have been leading the community through this difficult time. They held a Mass on Saturday evening, providing a space for grieving and healing.
Father Zehren, who described the moment of the attack during the Saturday evening Mass, expressed that the community is in a very low place. His voice broke as he spoke, reflecting the collective grief and sorrow felt by the congregation.
The statue of the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and Jesus at the church was punctured by bullet holes but has since been adorned with flowers, serving as a poignant symbol of hope amidst the tragedy.
Schoolchildren inside the church ducked for safety between the wooden pews during the attack. The tight-knit community is finding it difficult to feel like they have emerged from the lowest place, three days after the attack. A memorial has been created at the church, filled with candles, handwritten messages, drawings, and teddy bears, serving as a testament to the love and support that the community has for each other.
The Mass held at the church was the first one since the tragedy. Some may have been surprised to see a Mass so soon after the event, but Father Zehren and Archbishop Hebda emphasized its importance for the community. They believe that coming together in prayer and support is crucial for the healing process.
As the community continues to grieve and heal, they are reminded of the resilience that comes from their shared faith and the strength that comes from their unity. The Annunciation Catholic Church, though scarred, remains a beacon of hope in the heart of Minneapolis.
