In Solidarity – A Message from Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, Vice President of University Mission & Ministry

“Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude
of sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands.”

— Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis, 1866

Reflecting on this past week's events, we cannot but lament, cry out, and ask God to look on our distress and to show us the way of compassion and mercy, especially as we try to process, mourn, and even peacefully protest the depths of destruction that have been inflicted upon some of our brothers and sisters.

In the fifth chapter of the Book of Lamentations, God encourages those who suffer to lament, to cry out, and to break up their silence. In other words, God encourages suffering humans to openly express their grief, pain and suffering - and to do it, even in the midst of confusion and pain, in a peaceful, yet transformative way.

God also expects us, the whole community, to stand in solidarity with the sufferers, that is, with those who are on the margins, those who are vulnerable, those whose lives are in danger and to work tirelessly to eliminate the causes of their suffering.

As a community of faith called to see Jesus Christ in the persons of a multitude of sufferers, we commit to continue working to defend and promote the human dignity of all God's children; to work toward a most just society that addresses the systemic roots and heals the deep wounds of racism; and to ensure the safety and well-being of all so that our entire society can benefit from the unique gifts and talents each individual brings for the betterment of the whole.