Dear Friends,
Our hearts have been broken as a community in recent days as we witnessed the death of George Floyd and the turmoil that ensued in our nation. This tragic event is only the latest, and shockingly graphic, example of the injustices perpetrated against our Black brothers and sisters over hundreds of years since the era of slavery, and we are filled with sorrow over the systemic racial prejudice that has existed among us for so long.
Over the past several years the community here at Holy Family has been engaging with our JustFAITH ministry in continuing education and in dialogue about these very issues of racism and prejudice. We want to proceed with this engagement as we continue to serve the local community in various ways, but we know we need to do more.
Pope Paul VI is famous for the statement: "If you want peace, work for justice." This timeless quote is more relevant now than ever, and we are committed to using our forums of preaching, retreat reflections and social justice service to bring about healing in our community and in our nation. We stand in solidarity with all people who experience injustice in our world and with all the oppressed in God's creation.
We would like to share with you today’s “Message of Hope” from Brendan Wlochowski, a volunteer on our Youth Ministry Team, who so powerfully shares his thoughts on this subject.
May Christ's peace fill our hearts, and may the Spirit of God give us courage to act with the foundational Gospel value of love toward all people.
Fr. David Cinquegrani, C.P., on behalf of the Passionist Community, Leadership Boards, Retreat Team and Staff at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center
June 5, 2020