Tucson Bishop Leads Community in Healing

TUCSON, Arizona, JAN. 13, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Bishop Gerald Kicanas is leading the community of Tucson as they seek God's help to deal with last Saturday's tragedy, in which six people died in the attempted assassination of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. 

The bishop led a "Mass for the Healing of Our Community" on Tuesday evening at St. Odilia Church, which is near the scene of the crime. Christina Taylor Green, the 9-year-old victim, was a member of the parish. The children's choir she was a part of led the congregation in the opening song, "Amazing Grace." 

"The beautiful thing about tragic moments is that they've called us together," the bishop said. "May this tragic moment lead us to reflect on how we can live together and stand up to senseless violence." 

Two of the six victims that have attracted most national attention -- Green because of her young age and federal Judge John Roll -- were members of Tucson parishes. Roll had attended Mass just before stopping at the "Congress on Your Corner" event. Green's funeral was this afternoon, and Roll's rosary vigil was this evening. His funeral is Friday. 

"Our all-good God never wills evil, never inflicts harm, never injures or hurts," Bishop Kicanas affirmed. He said the six victims are with Our Lord. "[God] knows Christina, John, Gabe, Dorwan, Phyllis and Dorothy by name. He receives them and welcomes them home." 

Bishop Kicanas also affirmed that God is keeping vigil with Giffords and wills her full recovery. The congresswoman was shot through the head, but Wednesday she was able to open her eyes and respond to her husband.