
08/28/2025
A Prayer for Our Beloved Children: In loving memory of the two young souls taken from us at Annunciation Catholic Church.
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" - Matthew 19:14
Heavenly Father, we gather today with hearts heavy with grief yet filled with the unshakeable hope that comes through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We commend to Your eternal care and protection the souls of these two precious children, aged eight and ten, who were called home to You while gathered in Your holy house, participating in the sacred celebration of Mass.
These innocent lambs were taken from us not in a moment of fear, but in a moment of prayer and worship. They were surrounded by their school family, their teachers, and their faith community when You welcomed them into Your eternal embrace. We find comfort in knowing their last earthly moments were spent in Your presence, in Your house, lifting their young voices in praise and prayer.
Lord Jesus, You who blessed the children and held them close, we trust that You have received these little ones with open arms. We pray for their families, whose pain is beyond our earthly understanding. Grant them the peace that surpasses all comprehension and the strength to carry on in faith.
We also lift up in prayer all those who were wounded in body and spirit - the fourteen children and three elderly parishioners who survived this attack. Heal their physical wounds, O Great Physician, and mend the invisible scars that will require Your gentle touch for years to come.
May the heroic actions of the teachers, staff, and older students who shielded the younger ones reflect Your own protective love. In the midst of unspeakable evil, Your light shone through their selfless courage.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." - Matthew 5:4
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Let us continue to pray for all those affected by this tragedy and for the healing of our community. May God's peace be with us all during this time of mourning.