RIP to the Victims of Waukesha Christmas Parade in Wisconsin, USA - Pope Francis Sends Condolences and Prayers
On November 21, 2021, the driver of a red SUV drove through a Christmas parade in the suburban Milwaukee town of Waukesha, killing at least five people and leaving 48 injured. Among the injured are children and a Catholic priest. The Catholic communities in Waukesha have been gathering in prayer, of the rosary and adoration, in several parishes. The names of the dead were released: Virginia Sorenson, 79, LeAnna Owen, 71, and Tamara Durand, 52, Wilhelm Hospel, 81, and Jane Kulich, 52. Pope Francis sent a note of condolence and prayer via Cardinal Parolin to the Archbishop of Milwaukee:
The Holy Father Asks You Kindly To Convey The Assurance Of His Spiritual Closeness To All Affected By The Tragic Incident That Recently Took Place In Waukesha. He Commends The Souls Of Those Who Died To Almighty God’s Loving Mercy And Implores The Divine Gifts Of Healing And Consolation Upon The Injured And Bereaved. He Joins You In Asking The Lord To Bestow Upon Everyone The Spiritual Strength Which Triumphs Over Violence And Overcomes Evil With Good (Cf. Rom 12:21).
Source: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2021/11/23/0774/01632.html
According to police, the driver who is in custody, had fled the scene of a domestic dispute and did not seem to know anyone in the parade when he drove into the route.
In a statement after the tragedy, Archbishop Jerome Listecki of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, said:
“When confronted with the shock and the grief encountered by our brothers and sisters in Waukesha, it is now important for us to turn to our faith which offers us God’s loving presence and consolation,” he said. Archbishop Listecki asked for prayers for all those involved, their families and those who are traumatized from witnessing the horrible scene, and he noted that "Among the injured are one of our Catholic priests, as well as multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic school children." “I know that people of every faith and tradition will call their communities together and offer to God, their sense of confidence in his ability to guide us through this difficult period and offer hope and healing,” he said.
“When confronted with the shock and the grief encountered by our brothers and sisters in Waukesha, it is now important for us to turn to our faith which offers us God’s loving presence and consolation,” he said. Archbishop Listecki asked for prayers for all those involved, their families and those who are traumatized from witnessing the horrible scene, and he noted that "Among the injured are one of our Catholic priests, as well as multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic school children." “I know that people of every faith and tradition will call their communities together and offer to God, their sense of confidence in his ability to guide us through this difficult period and offer hope and healing,” he said.
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