President Stevens Shares a Message of Hope Following the Orlando Tragedy

The shooting in Orlando this weekend was simply an act of evil. On the one hand it is easy to just go on with our days, moving along on our ‘moving sidewalk’ not looking to the left or the right and just letting routine move us along. On the other hand, such a horrifying act of hate calls us to respond with righteous anger and courage.

Our flags are lowered because the attack on the LGBTQ+ community, just as the attack of 9/11 and the attack in Paris on the Charlie Hebdo offices, is an assault on all of us who believe in and strive for a world of no more war, no more tears….who believe in and strive for a world of peace.

There are few, if any of us, who do not know and love someone who is from the LGBTQ+ community. They are our relatives, our co-workers, our neighbors, our friends. Let us assure them that we stand with them in condemning this crime.

The words of Pope Francis in his proclamation for the Year of Mercy are worth our reflection:

Let us open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help! May we reach out to them and support them so they can feel the warmth of our presence, our friendship, and our fraternity! May their cry become our own, and together may we break down the barriers of indifference that too often reign.

May God bless you and your family, and know that, particularly if this tragedy is affecting you deeply, you are in my prayers.

The Catholic Mass this Friday, June 17 will be offered for the families and friends of those who died and there will be an ecumenical prayer service following the Mass at 12:40 in remembrance of those who died.

Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM