I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Renee Good, a Minneapolis resident and mother. Once again, violence has visited our Twin Cities community and has taken another precious life. Please join me in praying for Renee’s family and friends whose grief is no doubt acute – pray that they would find the support and compassion that is needed at this time.
Over the last five years our Twin Cities community, particularly Minneapolis, has been ground zero for so much violence – the killing of George Floyd, the killing of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the Annunciation shooting, which resulted in the deaths of Harper Moyski and Fletcher Markel, and now the violent death of Renee Good. These families have experienced unimaginable grief.
The Twin Cities community – all of us – are experiencing collective grief and trauma as a result of so much violence. We are reeling under the weight of deep sadness and dismay. This reality needs to be acknowledged, and the urgent work of justice and healing needs to commence by Minnesotans of goodwill. In the Luminiscence program at The Basilica this winter, we reference this persistent violence, saying: “what people held dear was destroyed—so many tragedies over the decades. Far too many innocent lives taken from our community. So much heartache and so much desperation.”
I think too of our immigrant brothers and sisters who are living in great fear presently in Minnesota and throughout the nation – afraid to go to work, school, or church. Archbishop Hebda in his statement yesterday referenced the dignity we all share, having been made in the image and likeness of God. This has been the consistent message of Pope Leo since his election last May – including the attendant call to peace. We must center the dignity of all in our community – no matter who they are or where they are from. The dignity we all have as human beings is inherent, universal, and inviolable, and our attendant call is to build a community of true justice and lasting peace.
I will offer a private Mass Saturday at my rectory chapel for Renee Good, her family and friends, and for the Twin Cities community. I will also address this tragedy at Sunday Masses at The Basilica this weekend. Dr. Johan Van Parys will preside at Vespers this Sunday at 3:30pm – Sunday Vespers will be offered for justice, healing, and peace in our community. I encourage parishioners and friends of The Basilica to resist the temptation to bury your pain but rather to name it, talk about it, and together engage in dialogue about concrete ways that Christians can contribute to the betterment of our Twin Cities community and our country. As we know, there is much important work be done in this regard.
May the God of light and goodness sustain us at this time and generously assist us with his abundant grace to build a Kingdom of love, justice, and peace. May Saint Mary, our patroness and friend, who said yes to bearing the Prince of Peace help us say yes to being artisans of peace at this time.
Fr. Daniel Griffith, Rector and Pastor
The Basilica of Saint Mary
Statement Regarding Deadly ICE-related Shooting in Minneapolis
Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda
January 7, 2026
Following this morning’s deadly shooting in Minneapolis, I reiterate my plea for all people of good will to join me in prayer for the person who was killed, for their loved ones, and for our community.
We continue to be at a time in this country when we need to lower the temperature of rhetoric, stop fear-filled speculation and start seeing all people as created in the image and likeness of God. That is as true for our immigrant sisters and brothers as it is for our elected officials and those who are responsible for enforcing our laws. I echo today the repeated call of the U.S. Catholic bishops that we come together as a nation and pass meaningful immigration reform that does justice to all parties. The longer we refuse to grapple with this issue in the political arena, the more divisive and violent it becomes.
It is only by working together – with God’s help – that we will have peace in our communities, state and world.
Minnesota Bishops Statement on Immigration Law and the Common Good of the Nation