Praying for an End to Gun Violence

We are devastated. The children of Robb Elementary School are our children. This violence cannot continue…in Uvalde, Texas, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in our country, and in our world--this cannot continue. This act of violence has nothing to do with amendments. It has nothing to do with partisanship. There is a clear wrong that needs to be righted. 

Of course, we will pray: for wisdom to find solutions so that no other parent has to bury their child lost to gun violence; for peace that is desperately needed in our world; for the victims who are now with God in Heaven; for their loved ones who will never again greet them as they come off the bus, laugh with them at the dinner table, or kiss them good night after tucking them into bed; and for all of us who mourn as our hearts are once again ripped apart.

The physical and emotional well-being of our community is always a priority. Our security measures are in place, and our counselors are prepared to offer resources to anyone who needs help and support processing these events, knowing that we may each be impacted in different ways.

Prayer is important but it is not enough. Ignatius implored us to be contemplatives in action, reminding us that we are the hands and feet of Christ on Earth. We must find a way forward. I am not clear on the solutions and I don’t know if you are; however, we need to find them together. If you have a way forward, if you have an option, if you have an idea on how St. Joseph’s Prep can advocate to those in power on the issue of gun violence and the health crisis surrounding it, please share with us. We also encourage you to contact your elected city, state, and federal officials. Our future depends on it. Our children deserve it.

Mr. John Marinacci

President