Husband of Catholic School Principal Among the Fatalities in San Bernardino

A priest in the Diocese  of San Bernardino forwarded to me the following email, which was sent to diocesan employees:

It is with great sadness that I ask for your support. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Damian Meins, husband of the principal at Sacred Heart Rancho Cucamonga, who did not survive yesterday’s attack. May all who have been touched by this tragedy know God’s presence.

Late yesterday, the bishop released this statement:

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, we have experienced another tragic act of public violence, this time in our own Diocese of San Bernardino. Please join me in praying for all of the victims of this horrific incident and their families. For those who lost their lives, we pray for their eternal rest and God’s strength to their loved ones left behind; for those who are wounded, we pray for their health and healing. Let us also ask God to protect the brave men and women in law enforcement who are pursuing the suspects in this case. Our community of San Bernardino has faced great challenges through the years. Let us come together now in unity to bring light to the darkness of this day. In Christ, Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes

Pray without ceasing.

Dearest Jesus, who wept at the death of your friend and taught that they who mourn shall be comforted, grant us the comfort of your presence in our loss. Send Your Holy Spirit to direct us lest we make hasty or foolish decisions. Send Your Spirit to give us courage lest through fear we recoil from living. Send Your Spirit to bring us your peace lest bitterness, false guilt, or regret take root in our hearts. The Lord has given. The Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen. O sweet mother Mary, who knew the sadness of mourning those your heart loved most, Jesus, your Son, and Joseph, your devoted spouse, pray for us in our time of loss. Amen.[Source]