Commissioner Brenda Lucki, Commissioner of the RCMP And all those affected by this tragedy,
I wish to express on my behalf, as Archbishop of Halifax-Yarmouth, and in the name of Catholic faithful, our sincere condolences on the loss of life of Constable Heidi Stevenson. Her death in the line of duty, indicates the highest sacrifice that one can make on behalf of the citizens she served.
Our prayers go out to all the members of her family, particularly her children, and to the fellow officers of her RCMP family, who mourn the loss of her life.
Such a tragic event, involving the meaningless death of so many of our fellow citizens has shocked us all, adding more collective suffering to an already tragic time in our province, our country and in our personal lives. I offer my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of all the victims and pray that they find some consolation in the expressions of love and caring being shown to them in their time of sadness and grief.
As a faith leader in the Christian tradition, it is possible to offer some support with the tenant of our faith, the heart of the Easter message, that life carries on beyond death.
I share these consoling words as our prayer for all who have been touched by these recent events and as an expression of our solidarity with all Nova Scotians.
