This parish community of St. Monica prays for our nation and the world: for an end to violence and hate, and unity in heart and mind. This is a crisis moment of great importance—one which challenges how we treat each other, how we welcome each other, and how our country must seek common humanity in times of conflict.
Pope Francis in Let Us Dream proclaims that we must be less selfish in our relationship with others as a result of these dark, dark times. Our patron Monica wept not for her own salvation—but the salvation of her son. Our Holy Father calls us to see, choose, and act. Today, I call on the parishioners of St. Monica to see everyone—everyone—as a child of God. To choose mutual respect toward your brothers and sister with whom you may disagree. To act in love—as our God acts in love for us.
The end of hate begins in each one of our hearts. Pray for peace to start there and make your best effort to share and spread that love and peace. We are loving disciples called to transform the world. God bless you, and God bless our nation.
-Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson