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On Sunday, Pablo and his father attended Mass, where the Rev. Dennis Zehren provided words of comfort to the congregation. Zehren noted that the community was emerging from a challenging week, beginning with what he called a “humble beginning” after a period of darkness.
“We embrace the start of a new day here in Annunciation,” said Zehren. “We invite the light of this new day, a light that will dispel all darkness. It’s a light that will endure and never fade.”
Zehren reflected on what he called a “kind of funny mystery,” where light shines the brightest when darkness is at its most intense.
Zehren expressed his profound gratitude, saying, “I’ve never witnessed such a powerful demonstration of love. I’ve never felt so proud of the devoted followers of Jesus, so thankful for our church, never before have I felt so overwhelmed with love that seems to come from somewhere above and beyond.”
Returning to church was somewhat unnerving for Pablo, as he feared another shooting might occur. However, he was ultimately relieved that he chose to go.
“It’s comforting to attend church again,” Pablo said. “Even though I’m slightly traumatized, it feels good to pray and be in the presence of God.”
Pablo doesn’t like to talk about last week’s shooting, but being around his friends has helped break the cycle of overwhelming emotions.
“I really hope it’s gonna go easier, like, every day,” Pablo said about returning to services.
Pilar, Pablo’s sister, decided not to attend the service, recalling that whenever she thinks of going to church, she feels the urge to “hide under the pews.” That’s exactly what she did on Wednesday when Robin Westman shot through the side windows of the church at Annunciation Catholic School.
“I was saying, ‘It’s too early for me to die. I’m just 7 years old. I’m just a kid. I need more life, and God, please protect me,’” Pilar said.
But Pilar also says she’s doing much better, especially after seeing friends who survived.
“It helps because I know they’re not hurt, and it feels way better to see them not hurt,” Pilar said.
For Carla and Pedro Maldonado, the last few days have been a flood of emotions, with waves of grief, guilt, anger and sadness mixed with gratitude. They know healing for their family will take time.
“As a parent, this is something that I wish nobody ever, ever goes through this, because it’s a feeling that nobody can imagine,” Pedro Maldonado said. “Especially when you’re in a church, and the ones inside the church are kids praying for a better world.”
