Archbishop Vigneron prays for 'healing and peace' for Sri Lanka, end to religious violence

DETROIT — Mourning with Catholics worldwide the horrendous bombings in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday that killed nearly 300 people and wounded more than 400 more, the Archdiocese of Detroit will pray tomorrow for the repose of the souls of the victims and for comfort for those left behind.

At 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 24, Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hanchon will lead a rosary service at St. Aloysius Church in downtown Detroit for those killed and injured, their families, and for an end to religious violence worldwide.

All are invited to attend the rosary service, which will take place immediately preceding Mass at St. Aloysius.

Ahead of the service, Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron offered his prayers for the victims, urging faith in the Resurrection in the face of such tragedy.

“We continue to pray for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, for the repose of the souls lost, healing for the wounded and comfort for all those affected by this horrific violence,” Archbishop Vigneron said in a statement. “I find myself too often responding to acts of hate with calls for unity, but today I once again pray that we may make the world a place of tolerance and acceptance of people of all religions.

“It is with sorrow and shared grief, but eyes fixed on Jesus and hearts full of hope in the power of the Resurrection, that we pray for healing and peace for the people of Sri Lanka.”

St. Aloysius Church is located at 1234 Washington Blvd. in Detroit, one block north of Michigan Avenue and the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel.