“In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus spoke of love to His disciples and asked them “to love one another; as I have loved you.” On Saturday afternoon, a racially-motivated killing spree claimed ten innocent lives and injured three others in a senseless tragedy on Buffalo’s East Side. No love was shown in this rampage, only the deepest of hate.
What we now know is that the perpetrator specifically targeted this neighborhood, and this grocery store, because of the high concentration of people of color. His intent, fueled by an indoctrination of white supremacist rhetoric, was to kill as many people as possible out of an irrational fear that white people were being replaced in America.
This country has struggled for years with the practice of racism and white supremacy that has victimized communities of color and has weakened us all. My heart is so heavy, and I pray for the victims, their families, friends, and this community traumatized by this tragedy.
Faith compels us to reject the abject evil of racism and white supremacy, and to say “no” to terror, and “no” to the intent to silence Black and Brown voices. In the face of the troubles confronting our world, Jesus encourages us to have faith. May the Lord give us strength as we work for a more just society and for peace from violence.”
Pastoral Statement from Bishop Michael Fisher, Diocese of Buffalo, NY
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Let us join with our brothers and sisters in Buffalo to honor the lives of those taken suddenly, to pray for them, and to pray for solace of their whole community after this devastating incident which they (and we) will never forget. Please remember, especially in this heartbreaking moment, to love one another as Jesus has loved us. Let us pray as well those who continue to heal from their injuries. May we embrace the whole community in Buffalo as they mourn their loved ones.
“Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”
