STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO UVALDE SCHOOL SHOOTING

The Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart community is reeling from the horrendous massacre of children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas. Our hearts break for every child, teacher, and family member who suffered in this brutal attack.  

As we have done in the aftermath of previous school shootings, we join schools nationwide in weeping,  praying, and comforting one another. Yet it is not enough to reassure the students that they are safe.  We all have security, safety plans, and lockdown drills. Yet it is not enough to protect those that come into school buildings each day.  

We must take back our schools. The seemingly unstoppable violence and loss of precious lives in our schools and communities must end and we need to work together urgently on solutions. Each one of us can be empowered, not helpless, by connecting with and supporting one another, participating in community events and meetings, demanding elected officials pass gun reform legislation, and speaking up immediately when something seems wrong. This is our shared responsibility. It begins with each one of us.  

As St. Francis taught us — 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.  

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive, 
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen. 

- Peace Prayer of St. Francis