Czech Republic: from the Catholic Church support, prayers and spiritual guidance for people and families affected by the shooting at Prague University

Rescue operations after the shooting at Prague University (Photo: ANSA/SIR)
Mgr. Jan Graubner, archbishop of Prague and president of the Czech Bishops’ Conference, will officiate the eucharistic celebration in the cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert for the victims of the shooting that took place in the Faculty of Philosophy of Prague’s Charles University on Thursday. Mass will be held on Saturday 23rd December at 11.00am. Mgr. Graubner expressed “deep grief” for the news of the tragic attack, in which at least fifteen people lost their lives and many more were seriously injured. “I pray for the dead and their families, relatives and friends, as well as for the recovery of those who have been injured. May the Lord comfort them and help them overcome the grief and affliction in this pre-Christmas period”. Masses for the dead and injured people will be held in many cities across the country, including the diocese of Olomouc. Bishop Josef Nuzík, leader of the diocese of Olomouc, stated he thinks “of all the victims of this foolish violence and all their beloved ones”. The Czech Catholic Church responded just after the tragic event by offering spiritual guidance 24 hours a day and support to all the affected people. Contact details of all the priests available for spiritual guidance can be found on the website of the Press Office of the Czech Bishops’ Conference (cirkev.cz).
Danka Jaceckova