Dear Friends,
I would like to express my deep solidarity and compassion towards those who suffer from the sin of racism, especially towards those in our black community during this time of pain. As I mentioned in a recent homily, racism is incompatible with the Christian faith, and as Christians we have a grave responsibility to ensure that the dignity of every person of every race is upheld and respected at every stage of life. I invite you to read Archbishop Hartmayer's recent statement on racism here. And please join me in praying for an end to racism:
"Mary, friend and mother to all, through your Son, God has found a way to unite himself to every human being, called to be one people, sisters and brothers to each other. We ask for your help in calling on your Son, seeking forgiveness for the times when we have failed to love and respect one another. We ask for your help in obtaining from your Son the grace we need to overcome the evil of racism and to build a just society. We ask for your help in following your Son, so that prejudice and animosity will no longer infect our minds or hearts but will be replaced with a love that respects the dignity of each person.
Mother of the Church, the Spirit of your Son Jesus warms our hearts: pray for us." -USCCB
Sincerely in Christ,