Asking all priests as well as the faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to join him, Archbishop Bernard Hebda said he will celebrate a Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice April 19 as the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin concludes and tension continues surrounding the death of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center.

“It is during times such as these that we need to lean-in to our faith even more, and ask our Lord to help us recognize the shared humanity of all of our sisters and brothers,” the archbishop said in a statement posted on the archdiocese’s website and shared with priests and the faithful. “We plead with the Prince of Peace to penetrate our hearts.”

Archbishop Bernard Hebda

Final arguments are set for April 19 in Chauvin’s trial in the May 25 death of George Floyd, a Black man, while Floyd was being arrested for trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. Wright, also an African American, was killed April 11 during a traffic stop after police found he had an outstanding warrant. Wright struggled with officers trying to arrest him. Police have said it appears former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter mistook her gun for a Taser, shooting Wright once in the chest. Both officers are white.

Floyd’s death was captured on a bystander’s video that went viral, and both incidents were caught on police body camera videos that have been released. The deaths of Floyd and Wright sparked local and national protests and riots.

Chauvin is charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Potter is charged with second-degree manslaughter.

Police and Minnesota National Guard units have been activated in the Twin Cities to help maintain peace. The archbishop noted that tension already was high with Chauvin’s trial drawing to a conclusion. Wright’s death added to the unease and unrest.

The archbishop said he will celebrate the special Mass (no. 30 in the Roman Missal) at 7:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul.

“It is only be seeing Christ in each other that we will honor the dignity of each person and arrive at true peace and justice in our world, in our country, in our communities and in our families,” Archbishop Hebda said.

“I welcome all to join me, Monday, April 19, at the Cathedral of Saint Paul for the 7:30 a.m. daily Mass, as we together will pray for the preservation of peace and justice,” the archbishop said. “Those desiring to participate virtually may do so at cathedralsaintpaul.org.”