Bishop Thomas Tobin asking all parish masses to pray for Orlando shooting victims

 By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary
 
Just two days after the worst mass shooting in U.S. history, Bishop Thomas Tobin asks the Rhode Island Diocese to come together, and pray for victims of the terrorist attack in Orlando. It’s something Father Joseph Santos stands behind.
 
"We are obliged to pray for them. To pray for their souls and in a very special way for their families, who must be suffering incredibly at this time. When we devalue one life, we devalue all life,” he says.
 
Bishop Tobin released the statement asking for prayers, but also saying we should seek Gods compassion and healing for all of the victims. Adding in part..
"We should echo the words of the hymn, let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."
 

Father Santos says regardless of beliefs, religion, or sexual orientation all deserve prayers.

"Human beings are human beings. And situations like this of course, we have to in a sense band together for their good. For the good of their families and for the good of the nations," Father Santos says.
 
Parishioners we spoke with here in Providence say, they are happy to hear Bishop Tobin’s statement.
 
"I think it is very important for everyone to pray for what happened to those victims," says Providence Parishioner, Nancy Hodge.
 
"It should have never happened it was uncalled for. Everyone should pray for the victims who passed away, that God bless them all and be with them," adds Providence Parishioner, Tony Hodge.

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