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April 19, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
As closing arguments take place today in the trial of Derek Chauvin and as the case will now go to the jury, I ask you to join me in prayer for the jurors and indeed our community in the Twin Cities. This is a tense time for all in the Twin Cities as the eyes of the world are upon us, awaiting the verdict in this important case.
Earlier today at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Archbishop Hebda preached a beautiful homily. He said with many issues that seem so challenging in our society, we may be tempted to think there
is nothing we can do. The Archbishop exhorted those listening to overcome this temptation and offer our humble prayers for peace and justice. He said: “when we unite our prayer with the prayer of Christ it gives them an efficacy beyond what we can imagine.”
I remain deeply sad about the loss of the lives of George Floyd, Daunte Wright and the victims of recent mass shootings in multiple cities throughout the United States. Our nation and our culture struggles in so many ways, including with a lack of justice, moral truth, meaning, hope and sense of our transcendent vocation in God.
Prayer is indeed important in response to persistent harm and violence. I will offer my Mass today for justice and peace in the Twin Cities and for the wisdom and prudence of the jurors tasked with the important work of rendering a verdict in the Chauvin case. In addition, this summer Our Lady of Lourdes will host a prayer tent at the outside grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Parishioners, friends and neighbors will be invited to join us for daily prayer for our city and broader community.
In addition to prayer, Christians must also work for a society that is marked by greater justice and inclusion. Peace is the fruit of justice and persistent injustice pervades our society and indeed our state. Minnesota sadly sees some of the most acute racial disparities in the country, acrossmultiple categories. As a community, we must confront this disturbing reality – we must be willing to name the harm and to resolutely work for greater justice and healing. In my homily yesterday, I said that we are at a Kairos moment – a decisive opportunity for change in our lives, in our community and in our Church. Aided by the light of the risen Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians must lead as we seek to build a more just and
peaceful community. Thank you for joining me in prayer and the critical work that lies ahead.
Peace,
Fr. Griffith