The Diocese of Providence offered prayers and resources after two students were killed and nine injured in a mass shooting at Brown University's campus on Saturday, December 13. Brown University is located in the city of Providence.
"As are many, I am deeply saddened and troubled by the senseless shooting today at Brown University in Providence," said a statement from Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, CSsR, of Providence, Rhode Island, published on Saturday evening.
Bishop Lewandowski continued, saying, "Let us unite in prayer for those who lost their lives, for the injured, for the Brown University community and all affected by this tragedy. May God continue to guide our elected officials, law enforcement, and first responders as they work to keep everyone safe."
The diocese, said the bishop, "offers its resources, clergy and personnel, and charitable assistance wherever needed. May God bless us all and may Our Lady of Providence keep us in her care."
The shooting occurred on the second day of final examination week at Brown University, an Ivy League school located in Providence, Rhode Island. According to reports, a shooter burst into an examination review session and began firing on students.
The shooter remains at large.
Dominican friars, Providence College make statements as well
The Dominican Friars of the Province of Saint Joseph, who serve as campus ministers for Brown University, said on Monday, December 15, that they "mourn the deaths of two Brown University students on Saturday."
"We also pray for the speedy recovery of all those wounded by the attack," said the province.
The friars, said the statement, "feel this attack acutely, and entrust the University and Providence, Rhode Island, communities to the maternal care of Our Lady of Sorrows."
"My the God of all consolation be with the families and friends of the deceased and grant healing and peace to all affected by this shooting," said the statement.
Providence College, a Catholic and Dominican university located about 2.5 miles away from Brown University, issued a statement offering prayers for healing and comfort, and said that those impacted by the shooting would be part of the Mass intentions that weekend.
"As members of the Friar family, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Brown University community. Our hearts are heavy, and we lift our prayers to God asking Him to bring comfort and healing to the victims, their families, and all students, faculty, and staff who have all been affected by this senseless act of violence," said the December 14 statement from Fr. Kenneth Sicard, O.P., president of Providence College.
"They will be remembered at all our weekend Masses, and I ask you to continue to keep them in your prayers," he said.
While there was no immediate threat to Providence College, counseling services were made available, as "such tragedies have shaken communities across the country far too often, to have it happen so close to home is deeply unsettling," said Fr. Sicard.
