MINNEAPOLIS — A family is finding strength in their community as their two children, who survived a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School that killed two classmates and injured 21 others, begin the long road to recovery.
Carla and Pedro Maldonado live just a few blocks from their children’s school and were among the first to arrive when a shooter opened fire during Wednesday’s morning Mass. They searched for their own children, Pilar, 7, and Pablo, 11, while also contacting other parents to inform them that their children were safe.
“Probably the worst 20 minutes of my life,” Pedro Maldonado told NBC News on Sunday. “The desperation that a parent can feel in these situations is terrible. While also attempting to assist other children in need.”
Carla Maldonado says she takes life one hour at a time, focusing on meeting her family’s basic needs. She is an experienced trauma therapist who says she is also focusing on their emotional well-being.
She added that the past few days have been marked by togetherness, and that time spent with their friends is the best form of healing for her children.
“They will share, maybe with us, maybe not,” Carla Maldonado said. “But when we see them together and overhear some of their conversations, we realize that this is who you need. These are the only people who will truly understand what you went through.”
Earlier that day, Pablo and his father attended Mass to hear the Rev. Dennis Zehren offer words of comfort. Zehren told his parishioners that the community was beginning with a “humble beginning” after a week of darkness.
“We welcome the dawn of a new day here in Annunciation,” according to Zehren. “We welcome the light of a new day, a light that will dispel all darkness. It’s a light that will never dim.”
Zehren reflected on what he described as a “kind of funny mystery,” in which light shines brightest when darkness is at its most intense.
“I have never seen such an outpouring of love,” Zehren told the crowd. “I have never been so proud of the faithful followers of Jesus, never been so grateful for our church, never been so filled with love that just comes from above and beyond.”
Going back to church was nerve-racking for Pablo, who was concerned that the shooting might happen again. But, ultimately, he says, he’s glad he went.
“It’s nice to go to church again,” Pablo explained. “Even though I’m a little traumatized by going to church, it’s just good to be, like, praying about it … be with God.”
Pablo prefers not to discuss last week’s shooting, but being with his friends has helped him break the cycle of overwhelming emotions.
“I really hope it’s gonna go easier, like, every day,” Pablo said about returning to work.
Pilar, his sister, chose not to attend the service, stating that when she does go to church, she expects to “hide under the pews.” That is precisely what she did Wednesday morning, when Robin Westman fired a rifle through the side windows of Annunciation Catholic School’s church.
“I said, ‘It’s too soon for me to die. I’m only 7 years old. I’m only a kid. “I need more life, and God, please protect me,” Pilar exclaimed.
Pilar, on the other hand, claims she is feeling much better, particularly after seeing friends who survived.
“It helps because I know they’re not hurt, and it feels way better to see them not hurt,” Pilar told me.
Carla and Pedro Maldonado have experienced a flood of emotions over the last few days, including grief, guilt, anger, and sadness, as well as gratitude. They understand that healing for their family will take time.
“As a parent, this is something that I wish nobody ever, ever goes through this, because it’s a feeling that nobody can imagine,” Pedro Maldonado said to reporters. “Especially when you’re in a church, and the ones inside the church are kids praying for a better world.”
