Archbishop Paul S. Coakley offers a “Holy hour for peace” in a violent nation

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a Jan. 28 statement encouraging bishops and priests throughout the country to offer a “Holy hour for peace” in response to deaths of citizens who were peacefully protesting the loss of lives and abuses at the hands of federal agents.

“I am deeply grateful for the countless ways Catholics and all people of good will continue to serve one another and work for peace and justice,” Coakley said.

“While proper laws must be respected, works of mercy, peacefully assembling and caring for those in your community are signs of hope and they build peace more surely than anger or despair ever could, he said.”

In particular, Coakley cited the widespread fear and polarization, which he said “does not meet the standard set by Christ in the Gospel.”

In Minneapolis during protest gatherings, federal agents accosted two citizens in two days and, during the incidents, shot them multiple times. Renee NicolGood was shot in the head, chest and arm, and Alex Pretti was shot 10 times in the back as he was face down, restrained by some agents while two more agents fired their guns. Both victims were white. Both deaths were ruled homicides by coroners.

Coakley said that these violent examples represent failures in our society to respect the dignity of every human life. Therefore, as a “step toward healing,” Coakley asked bishops and priests to offer a holy hour for peace in the days ahead, saying: “Let us pray for reconciliation where there is division, for justice where there are violations of fundamental rights, and for consolation for all who feel overwhelmed by fear or loss.”

Coakley encourages Catholics everywhere to participate in the holy hour, in parishes or chapels, or in the “quiet of their hearts."

“Whether feeding the sick, accompanying the lonely, visiting the imprisoned or striving daily to love their neighbors, no work of mercy or act of justice is ever wasted in the eyes of God.”

(photo by USCCB)