Uvalde Marks One Year: Church Remembers, Acts Against Gun Violence
One year after the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, St. Philip's Episcopal Church & School remembered the victims with public services and a call for action. The church is also transforming rooms to permanently house the Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas.
On May 24, 2022, 19 children and two adults lost their lives in the ninth-deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. The community of Uvalde and the nation mourned the victims, most of whom were Catholic. In remembrance, St. Philip's Episcopal Church & School held prayer services, offered art therapy, and released butterflies, symbolizing new life and hope.
Bishop Daniel Gutierrez emphasized the need for action to prevent further gun violence. He joined other bishops, including Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, in Washington, D.C. to discuss gun control methods. Other Episcopal churches in the West Texas diocese also showed solidarity by ringing their bells at 12:49 p.m., the time of the shooting. Meanwhile, St. Philip's is renovating rooms to become a permanent branch of the Children's Bereavement Center, offering support to families affected by the tragedy.
The Uvalde community continues to heal and remember the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting. St. Philip's Episcopal Church & School's actions reflect their commitment to supporting the community and advocating for change to prevent future gun violence.
