Family, friends say farewell to New Jersey shooting victim

Published: 2007-04-25

FLEMINGTON, N.J. (CNS) -- Hundreds of friends, classmates and family members filled St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church in Flemington for the April 24 funeral Mass for Michael Steven Pohle Jr., one of 32 victims of a student gunman who went on a shooting rampage April 16 at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. The Mass was celebrated by Father Timothy Christy, pastor of St. Magdalen and Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of Metuchen. Acting New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey attended the Mass. In his homily, Father Christy said that in the wake of such a tragedy it is difficult to find the words to express how one is feeling, but that the Gospel can provide guidance. "The word of God is the only sensible and cohesive and logical way to be able to turn to some kind of understanding," Father Christy said. "The word of God speaks to us when our words fail."

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