Dear Parishioners:
We celebrate our national holiday of the Fourth of July as we mark our independence from the British Imperial Empire. It is customarily a day for all Americans to joyfully celebrate with family and friends. Typically there are picnics and cookouts, trips to the beach, and in the night beautiful displays of fireworks Sadly our celebration is very muted this year due to several factors.
First, we are still amid the COVID 19 Pandemic. The restrictions on our gatherings and activities have limited our celebrations. In many places, parades and fireworks called off. Families cannot travel, and the number of people allowed to gather at festivities is limited. This situation certainly dampens the spirit of celebration, usually associated with Independence Day. Our world continues to deal with this plague of the Coronavirus, and we continue to pray for it to end. Many still suffer from the virus, and many are even dying from it. Perhaps then our celebrations should be a bit muted and restrained this year.
A statue of Saint Junipero Serra vandalized in California.
However, I believe this holiday is overshadowed this year not only by the pandemic but by the great spirit of unrest and unease across our nation. In the last weeks, we've witnessed the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. With this terrible event, we began to see peaceful protests that seemed very quickly to turn into violent and destructive riots. Over the last weeks, heated discussions about racism, inequality, poverty, and injustice have filled our nation. The proper role of the police and the justice system has been attacked and questioned. We've also seen statues toppled and destroyed. Historical figures like Christopher Columbus, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln once esteemed and revered for their accomplishments and leadership face new scrutiny and harsh criticism.
As I survey much of what has taken place over the last month, it has given me great pause. At times t has led to real sadness as vitriolic attacks and rash judgments now replace thoughtful debate and civil discourse. Many in our nation are intolerant of any rational disagreement or reasoned civil dialogue. It is helpful to pray for guidance in times such as these. We must turn to the Lord in prayer in times of trouble and seek his guidance. It is also vital that all of us, no matter our personal opinion, carefully and prayerfully reflect upon the current situation as Catholic disciples.
Peaceful protesters unite in Washington, DC.
I recently reread the U.S. Bishop's 1979 Letter on Racism. It reminds us to work to combat the evil of racism. They state: "To the extent that racial bias affects our personal attitudes and judgments, to the extent that we allow another's race to influence our relationship and limit our openness, - to that extent we are called to conversion and renewal in love and justice." We must pray for all those hurt and pained by racism. We must work for the conversion from this grave sin in our lives and in our world.
I've also been praying for police officers. Theirs is a difficult job, and it has become even more challenging in light of recent events. The vast majority of police officers are honest and decent people. Are reforms needed? I'm sure there are some required, what institution doesn't need to reevaluate and reform itself. However, some of the attacks on police officers and the call to defund the police are callous and reckless and not helpful in solving any problems.
A police officer killed in the line of duty is laid to rest.
As a Police Chaplain, I know many officers personally. They are kind, hard-working, and just men and women. I am proud to know them. Over eighty years ago, my late Grandfather, Providence Police Patrolman Michael Devlin, was killed in the line of duty. I realize that much has changed for the better in our nation since his death. Sadly some things have not changed. Racism hatred, inequality, and injustice still sadly exist. So do poverty, ignorance, violence, and crime. However, we know that even in the face of sin and evil, virtuous men and women always arise to do good. God guides us to be His instruments of faith, hope, and charity in a world in great need of these virtues. Love and truth unite. Sin and evil divide.
Pray that our nation might unite in love and truth. Happy Independence Day! God Bless America! Stay safe. Be Well. Do Good! God Bless. Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us!