Man dies from self-inflicted gunshot on steps of San Francisco’s Mission Dolores

A homeless man shot and killed himself yesterday on the doorsteps of Mission Dolores, the Archdiocese of San Francisco reports.

The archdiocese issued the following statement:

An unidentified homeless man in his 40s or 50s shot himself in front of the church when he was awakened by a parish maintenance staff member beginning his daily shift at the church. The homeless man pulled a gun from his sack and shot himself, dying at the scene, according to the staff member. 

The identity of the homeless man is unknown at this time and currently under the investigation of the San Francisco Police Department.

A public Mass for the deceased man will be held. If necessary, the Archdiocese of San Francisco will make arrangements for his burial at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.

Mission Dolores comprises both the Basilica and the Old Mission. The mission was founded in 1776, making it the oldest building in San Francisco. The church’s religious, historic, and architectural significance makes the location one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations and sought out sanctuary place.

We pray for this poor man that God will heal his pain and envelop him with God’s eternal love and mercy. The Church teaches, “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide. We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 2282).

 

READER COMMENTS

Posted Friday, April 27, 2012 6:03 AM By JMJ
This is so sad, not only for him taking his life (at least he didn’t shoot anybody else) and for the fact that we have so many that are homeless and feeling helpless, while we have a ‘president’ that took his ‘family’ dog on vacation, using a third jet, (maybe it had fleas) at out expense and look at what they ‘pay’ for a night out at a supper club. When I think about what we are doing to those such as the Native Americans and those that don’t even have their basic needs being met by not helping them and the GREAT WASTE OF MONEY being spent for those running for office for a position that will ‘pay’ far less than what they will receive if they get elected and look at the terrible waste being spent on ‘education’, clothing, entertainment, cars, vacations, pets, etc.. God will make us answer to Him for our actions/non actions. Have Mercy Dear Jesus and wake all of us up. +JMJ+

Posted Friday, April 27, 2012 8:01 AM By Larry
He may also have been floridly mentally ill–which might even eliminate any subjective guilt. Yes–pray for him!

Posted Friday, April 27, 2012 8:01 AM By CalWalkr
And may he rest in peace – free from whatever troubles he may have had in his life. We trust in a loving, forgiving and welcoming God walked in our sandals and knows our pains.