Search
-
October 7, 2024Dear Brothers and Sisters,
A year ago, we were stunned by the unimaginable violence and atrocities committed by Hamas against Jews in Israel. Their evil deeds included sexual assault, torture, and the cruel murder and kidnapping of the very young and the very old.
Since that terrible day, conflict has raged and many more lives have been lost. Palestinians have suffered and died in heartbreaking numbers even as Hamas has continued its brutal rule over them in Gaza.
Our Holy Father has called upon us to pray today and to do penance for sins against human dignity and the sanctity of life. We pray for the release of hostages, for an end to violence as a brutal tool of power and for a just peace among warring nations.
As I suggested last year, we must also pray for our Jewish neighbors and friends who have endured fear and calumny as well as the losses of that day.
As we pray for peace for all, I ask that we consider reaching out to our fellow Rhode Islanders to express our affection and solidarity.
