Dear Saint Mary’s Friends,
George Floyd
As if a pandemic and its related issues were not worrisome enough, our country is once again in the midst of turmoil as racial division and tensions flare up over the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. We’re all aware enough to know that the terrible event is not the whole story. One event doesn’t cause such a response. So what do we as a parish do? What can we contribute? Long wordy statements are important, but for me, as a pastor of souls, they are insufficient. For us as a local parish and members of the Body of Christ, a few things for today. Chaos and anarchy are never good for anyone, whereas prayer, truth, soul searching, solidarity, conversion, and repentance are always beneficial.
Today's Video: Parishioners Janie & Ben Nneji
Please take the time to watch today's video (link above). It’s an interview with two of our long-time and seriously committed Parishioners, Ben and Janie Nneji who love St. Mary’s and Ridgefield. They are African Americans. The number of African Americans living here is small. In a town of approximately 25,000, they are just a little over 1%. Ben and Janie are people of prayer and hope, and live with a great serenity and faith. Their brief video helps give a little insight into their experiences.
Knowing one another’s lives and struggles is a step toward reconciliation and unity. I know the topic can make us uncomfortable, but it’s well worth the attention and soul searching regardless of political affiliation. In the bullet section below there is an audio decade of a rosary for racial reconciliation, and a video of an interview with Latasha Morrison who speaks to the issue from a Gospel perspective.
Now for One Last Critical Thing
Through my understanding of our faith, and my reason, I am a believer in reality and the truth of things wherever that leads. So along with people of good will trying to understand each other’s lives, to discern just systems and unjust systems; to participate in right, just and challenging protesting, I am seriously concerned that there are evil actors on all sides trying to stir up hate and destruction. In saying this, I’m not referring to politicians or citizens of any race. I’m concerned some others and the Evil One, himself, hate reconciliation between peoples and sincere attempts at forging unity. As a pastor of souls, a priest trying to follow the heart and mind of Jesus the Good Shepherd, I urge all of us to shun such temptation Let’s ask the Lord to give us light, truth, and courage. And may our Blessed Mother intercede for her children “in this vale of tears.”
