The Bourke Street Attack: Archbishop Comensoli’s statement

Photo sourced from public domain.

Archbishop Comensoli issued a pastoral statement on Sunday, after Friday’s incident in which one man was killed, two others stabbed and a car was set alight in Melbourne. The attacker, Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, was shot in the chest by police and later died in hospital.

Here is the full text of Archbishop Comensoli’s statement:

The horrific and evil events in Bourke St on Friday afternoon have shaken our city.

Grief, pain, and anger are words that will readily come to mind. This incident will have far-reaching effects on many people.

Friday’s evil act was entirely contrary to the Way of Jesus, contrary to all true religion, and contrary to human dignity. The way of Jesus Christ is to build bridges of mutual respect and civil friendship among people and communities. The way of aggression and violence is never the answer. Let us commit ourselves instead to the way of dialogue and reconciliation.

Into the darkness of evil, may a light of goodness shine. Let us acknowledge and honour the lights of goodness that shone out on Friday afternoon:

• the goodness of a man who went to the aid of a neighbour even if that gesture of charity was countered with deadly intent; 
• the goodness of people who courageously sought to protect others; 
• the goodness of those who defended innocent lives in the face of perilous harm.

So, let us pray for the gentle repose of the soul of Sisto Malaspina; lets us pray also for those who were harmed; for those who defended others; and for our police and emergency service providers – all of whom reveal to us the path of goodness and right action.

May those effected by Friday’s tragic events be healed, physically and emotionally, and may Jesus Christ accompany us all with solace and strength during the days ahead.

Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Most Rev Peter A Comensoli
Archbishop of Melbourne