Three killed include graduates of Grosse Pointe, Clawson high schools; St. Paul on the Lake to host prayer vigil tonight at 7
EAST LANSING — Catholic leaders in the state of Michigan reacted Tuesday to the news of a mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University with a mixture of shock, sorrow and a pledge to pray for and accompany victims.
Police reported a 43-year-old male suspect killed three people and injured at least five others on the East Lansing campus when he opened fire late Feb. 13. The suspect was later discovered dead off campus with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As news of the incident spread early Tuesday, Lansing Bishop Earl A. Boyea expressed solidarity with the community and with first responders.
“A dreadfully dark day in East Lansing. May the love of Almighty God restore health to the injured; sustain those caring for them; bestow solace on those who mourn and eternal rest to those who were killed,” Bishop Boyea tweeted early Tuesday. “The Catholic community is praying that they rest in peace.”
Authorities confirmed the identities of two of the victims who died as Brian Fraser, a 2021 graduate of Grosse Pointe South High School, and Alexandria Verner, a 2020 graduate of Clawson High School. News reports identified the third victim as Arielle Anderson, a recent graduate of Grosse Pointe North High School.
Fraser, an MSU sophomore, was an alumnus of St. Paul on the Lake School in Grosse Pointe Farms, according to the school.
A post from the school said Fraser, who graduated from St. Paul in 2017, “is loved by everyone here and exemplified ‘The St. Paul Difference.’ In his time here which began in Young 5’s, his light shined bright with love, leadership and kindness in the classroom, athletics and within the St. Paul community.”
A prayer service will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday night at St. Paul on the Lake, with funeral arrangements pending, the parish said.
Verner, a junior at Michigan State, was the daughter of parishioners at Guardian Angels Parish in Clawson, according to a Facebook post from the parish.
"She was a bright student and leader, tremendous athlete, and kind friend," the parish said in the post.
Deacon Christopher Stark of Guardian Angels led the parish community in a virtual rosary Tuesday night, and a three-night candlelight vigil was to take place for Verner and the grieving community on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Clawson City Park.
According to news reports, the shootings took place at Michigan State’s Berkey Hall and nearby Student Union, two blocks south of St. John Catholic Church and Student Center, which serves MSU students, faculty and staff. No violence was reported at the parish itself.
Staff and priests from the parish have been on scene ministering to those affected since the shooting took place.
The parish said two Masses would be celebrated Tuesday morning at St. Thomas Aquinas, the parish’s other worship site, and Eucharistic adoration would be available at St. John. A Mass for the entire Michigan State community is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. The parish added St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School has canceled classes Tuesday.
“Staff and clergy have been active since the news broke last night of the tragic events on and near campus,” a post from the parish said. “How can you help? For now, prayers are welcome and we hope to dedicate our time and space to students in need.”
Michigan State University officials canceled classes for Tuesday and Wednesday as police continue to investigate. Law enforcement said Tuesday morning they were still working to determine a motive, and the suspect was not affiliated with the university as a student or employee.
Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron joined his prayers to those of the East Lansing community.
“It is with profound sadness that we learn more about the horrific violence in East Lansing yesterday evening. We join in mourning the young lives cut short, praying that the injured are restored to good health, and lifting up all those impacted by these terrible actions. Let us also offer prayers of gratitude for the heroic service of first responders and health care professionals,” Archbishop Vigneron said in a statement.
“May Almighty God grant the Michigan State community peace and healing in the difficult days ahead,” he added.
Several Detroit-area parishes also expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, with some parishes planning virtual rosaries and other events to pray for those impacted.
Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Schools in Warren posted a prayer on Facebook begging God for mercy on the community and for peace.
“Almighty and most merciful God, we come to you with heavy hearts and troubled minds after the events at Michigan State University,” it said. “We pray for the victims, teachers, students, and families. May the souls of the innocent victims find eternal safety and rest. We pray for all who are hospitalized. We give thanks for all the first responders including law enforcement and medical personnel for their intervention. God grant strength and peace to all those impacted. In Your name we pray, Amen.”
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