SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — The president of the University of Notre Dame has written a letter to the members of a historic black church in South Carolina where nine people were fatally shot last week praising the victims’ family members for their words of forgiveness.

The Rev. John Jenkins wrote in a letter Saturday that the university community will pray that God give members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston some peace and consolation, but will also pray in gratitude for the witness they have given everyone in their forgiveness. He called their reaction inspiring.

Jenkins wrote that it is hard to find words to describe the shock and sadness caused by the killings. He said the congregation members will be at the heart of the university’s prayers on Sunday.