Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Edmonton Catholic Schools joins the Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia, as well as the broader Catholic community, in mourning the tragic events at Bondi Beach.

A terrorist attack occurred on Sunday at Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most famous beaches. Multiple gunmen opened fire on hundreds of people gathered for the Jewish feast of Hanukkah. At least 15 people have been killed, including a child, and many others were injured. 

Catholic leaders in Australia have responded with prayer and condemnation of antisemitism following what police described as a terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration. Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney called for prayer and the intercession of the Virgin Mary in the immediate aftermath of the December 14th shooting.

In our schools and sites, we pause in prayer to remember the dead, their families and friends, the injured, and the suffering, and for the first responders. 

Let us pray: 

Loving Father, you sent your Son into the world to redeem us by his Cross and Resurrection. In our shock and confusion, we come before you. In our despair amid hate, in our sense of helplessness in the face of violence, we lean on you. We ask for peace in our minds, bodies, and souls, and for the courage and strength to help heal the moments of stress and grief in our lives. Send your Holy Spirit to bring light to the darkness, comfort to the weary, and peace to the violence.

In solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and through the intercession of our Most Blessed Mother, Mary, the Mother of God, we ask you to guide and protect us: “Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.”

Almighty God, your power brings us to birth, and your providence guides our lives. Entrust the dead to your everlasting love and heavenly kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Through Christ our Lord, who is our hope. Amen. 

Supports and Resources

We recognize that events like this can evoke a range of emotions within our school communities. Support is available for students, families, and staff. Visit ecsd.net/health-and-well-being for additional mental health resources.