Bishop Lucinda Ashby sent the following message in response to the mass shooting today at the VTA light rail yard in downtown San Jose:
Dear people of El Camino Real,
Our hearts are broken yet again by today’s shooting at the Valley Transportation Authority light-rail yard in San Jose. We mourn the loss of nine lives and share in the grief suffered by their families and loved ones.
VTA employees have been everyday heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many are pointing out in news stories. This past year, buses and trains have never stopped running. It is heart-wrenching that VTA employees are also now enduring this tragedy.
Please join me in praying for those killed and those injured, their families and friends, the first responders on the scene, and the city of San Jose. Yet again we call for real action by the leaders of our state and nation to address this continuing epidemic of gun violence.
Loving God, we pray to you for those who died in the gun violence in the San Jose Valley Transportation Authority station. Grant to the departed your peace; let light perpetual shine upon them. We pray for those who mourn and suffer from grief and loss. Give them faith and courage to face the days ahead with steadfastness and patience knowing that you hold all your creation in a loving embrace. We ask that those who mourn and we who keep vigil may cast our care on you, knowing the consolation of your eternal love. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bishop Lucinda
