Lisa Hendey
I’ve been praying this morning about how to possibly write about last night’s horrific tragedy in Charleston at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. There is no possible way to succinctly describe the horror of an intruder infiltrating a prayer meeting and then taking the lives of nine souls, including that of Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Emanuel’s pastor.
While praying this morning for the victims and their families, my mind fled to my own parish. How would I react if someone violated our faith home in that way? Imagine the Wednesday night Rosary group at your parish, praying the Rosary together with your pastor. You welcome a young stranger into your midst and then the unthinkable breaks out…
There are just no words.
The shooter, a young man who seems to have been motivated by hatred, has now been apprehended and will stand trial. Along with praying for those who lost their lives and for swift justice, let’s pray together that this terrible incident does not result in more violence. I hope we who live far away can find a way to share our love and support for a faith community whose hearts have been broken.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In