Let us all join the Diocese of Orlando at 7:00 p.m. EST tonight for a “Vigil to Dry Tears” to pray for all who are affected by yesterday’s deadly terror attack.

According to a statement by Bishop John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando, the prayer vigil will be held tonight in St. James Cathedral to pray for “all who are affected by this massive assault on the dignity of human life.”

The attack, which occurred at the Pulse nightclub in the early morning hours of July 12, left 50 dead and 53 injured. The gunman, a 29 year-old radicalized Muslim named Omar Mateen, was killed at the scene by police.

The deadly shooting rampage, the deadliest in American history, has left the city in mourning.

“A sword has pierced the heart of our city,” the bishop wrote shortly after the attack.

“Since learning of the tragedy this morning, I have urged all to pray for the victims, the families and first responders. I pray that the Lord’s mercy will be upon us during this time of sadness, shock and confusion. I urge people of faith to turn their hearts and souls to the great physician, our Lord Jesus Christ, who consoles and carries us through suffering with mercy and tenderness. The healing power of Jesus goes beyond our physical wounds but touches every level of our humanity: physical, emotional, social, spiritual. Jesus calls us to remain fervent in our protection of life and human dignity and to pray unceasingly for peace in our world.”

The bishop went on to say that priests, deacons and counselors from the Diocese, as well as Catholic Charities of Central Florida, are serving at the Aid Center which was established by the City of Orlando to assist those who were impacted by the assault.

In addition, the Bishop asked all parishes in the diocese to offer prayer intentions for victims of violence and acts of terror.

“We pray for the people of the city of Orlando that God's mercy and love will be upon us as we seek healing and consolation,” he said.

He concluded by inviting the community to a “Vigil to Dry Tears” tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the cathedral.

“I hope this opportunity to join each other in prayer will bring about an outpouring of the mercy of God within the heart of our community.”

Wherever you are, please take a moment tonight at 7 p.m. to join the Orlando community in prayer for healing from this vicious assault on human life. May God have mercy on the souls of the dead, bring comfort to their loved ones, and a sincere conversion of heart for all who perpetrate acts of terror in our world.

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