Synagogue Shooting in Pittsburgh, PA

Dear Saint Mary's Community Members,

I want to offer prayers for the 11 people who were senselessly slain, and for those wounded, in the mass shooting in The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Oct. 27.  Again, our nation is confronted with a horrible tragedy apparently born out of divisiveness and religious bigotry and hatred. 

Like many others, as the news of this horrific act settled in, I was overwhelmed with a deep feeling of sadness for the families of those who were murdered in a house of worship, as they celebrated a new life with a Jewish baby naming ceremony. It was indeed another dark and somber day for our nation, leaving us searching for answers to understand yet another national heartbreak.

In the face of this latest act of hate, more than ever it is imperative for us all to embrace our respective faiths and commitment to the Lasallian Catholic principles of respect for all persons and inclusive community. As we remember the victims of what is reported as the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States, we stand with the victims of this latest act of terrorism, with the congregation of the Tree of Life Synagogue, and against hate, bias, and divisiveness in our nation. 

As a Lasallian Catholic community, and in solidarity with people of all faith traditions, it is important for us to gather at times like these to find strength in prayer.  All are invited to gather at 4:30-4:45pm today, Oct. 29, around the Interfaith Sacred Space (near the Chapel), where we will honor the victims and pray for healing and an end to violence.    

Sincerely,

James A. Donahue
President