The leader of Lafayette’s Roman Catholic Diocese called on the faithful to pray for the victims of Thursday night’s shootings at the Lafayette Grand theater on Johnson Street.

“On behalf of the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of Lafayette, we offer our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the shooting at the Grand Theater in Lafayette,” said Bishop Michael Jarrell of Lafayette, in an issued statement. “We are all shocked and saddened by this tragedy. We pray that everyone affected by this horror may feel the comforting presence of our Lord Jesus surrounding them during this difficult time.”

Jarrell described Lafayette as a community of “great faith.”

“We ask all the Catholic faithful and, indeed, all people of good will throughout Acadiana to stop, and offer sincere and thoughtful prayer for those who have died, the wounded, their families as well as the perpetrator of this evil act.“We pray in thanksgiving for the tireless efforts of law enforcement, paramedics and first responders.

“Our priests and deacons stand ready to pray with any of the wounded and family members impacted by this senseless tragedy.

“Along with all people of faith, we commit ourselves to promoting a society that respects the dignity of every human life.