Dear Parishioners:
In the wake of the deadly shooting at Emanuel AME Church, Bishop Guglielmone asks that all South Carolina Catholics pray a novena for the victims of the massacre, and for healing within the Emanuel AME Church community.
As a reminder, a novena is one prayer or a series of prayers that are said for nine days in a row. Below is a suggested prayer that you can offer up for the next nine days:
“Lord, we pray for those who have been devastated by recent tragedies. We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly. We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayers for strength. Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the days ahead. Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, and in comfort to the best of our abilities. Keep our hearts focused on the needs of all the community. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
I encourage you to participate in praying this novena, so that together as a Catholic community we can ask our Lord to turn hearts away from hatred and toward a loving acceptance of all people.
Monsignor Steven Brovey
