Massachusetts

Local Leaders Show Compassion for Sri Lanka Bombings

After celebrating Easter Mass, Cardinal Seán O’Malley condemned the terrorist attacks at Catholic churches in Sri Lanka, calling religious persecution a “terrible scourge.”

O’Malley, the archbishop of Boston, said he learned of the attacks during Sunday’s Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End.

“Religious persecution throughout the world is such a terrible scourge,” he said. “We have to place our lives in God’s hands in these moments of darkness to know that only He can heal the hatred and the sin and the violence that divides us as a human family.”

Thusith Mahanama, a member of the Sri Lanka Association of New England, called his family after learning of the bombings.

“Everybody was very shocked and kind of looking for answers,” he said. “First thing — call my parents. Make sure they’re okay. Luckily, everybody’s good.”

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh offered his support, writing on Twitter: “Targeting innocent people on a holy weekend in places of worship is horrifying. My prayers are with the people of Sri Lanka today as we mourn the loss of their loved ones. Together, we will stand united against hate and violence.”

Contact Us