“I have listened with great concern to the news of the difficult events that occurred today at the facilities of your admirable institution,” said Archbishop Rogelio Cabrera López of Monterrey in a Jan. 18 message.

“I want to express to you my most sincere support, as the father of the Church in Monterrey, in sympathy over these difficult events. In addition, as a pastor, I lift up to the Lord God my prayer for the entire school community you make up, especially for the people involved and their families.”

Earlier that day, a 15-year-old student at the American School of the Northeast opened fire on his classmates and teacher before shooting and killing himself. The teacher and three students were wounded in the attack.

According to state officials, the young man had been receiving therapy for a mental health problem.

Archbishop Cabrera López voiced his prayers for consolation, saying, “May the Lord Jesus, who came to console the afflicted and share with us the Holy Spirit of Wisdom remain now and forever at your side and grant you peace.”

He offered encouragement for the school community “to continue with the valuable work of comprehensive education you have always undertaken, since we know that it is the seed of a better society.”

(Story from the Catholic News Agency)