As you may have seen on the news, Louisville hosted the annual National Rifle Association Convention this week. In response, several organizations came together to organize peaceful events. Four of us, along with several Sisters and Associates from St. Catharine and Louisville, attended the “Moms Demand Action/Everytown for Gun Safety” event at Spalding University. The morning’s weather was gloomy and matched the sobering statistics we heard: there are 91 people killed by guns daily in our country; more guns in our country than people; the NRA has a $350 million dollar budget.
We started with a powerful prayer vigil; we prayed for victims, as well as people attending the convention. We were reminded that our prayer is more than just a request to change the laws; it is a counter-cultural movement of our collective souls to help bend the arch of justice toward God. We witnessed the anguish and sorrow of the parents on the stage whose children were murdered, and were inspired by the family members of gun violence victims who, despite their circumstances, continue to work for change. We were angered by some of our politicians’ indifference to the testimony of these families.
Yet, these bereaved parents are hopeful, and so we left hopeful. It certainly put the discomfort of an almost 8-hour drive into perspective. Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, who had no prior experience in community organizing, encouraged us to consider three ways to make a difference: make phone calls, vote, donate. As Dominicans of Peace, let us contemplate and pray for courage and wisdom so that we may act.
What a galvanizing statement that 91 people are killed daily by guns! So much to do, so many hearts to change and so much prayer and action needed on our part. Thank you for going public with our corporate stance.
What an inspiration your “roadshow for nonviolence” is for me! It speaks of yet another creative way to weave our commitments as sisters and associates to the pursuit of justice as Dominican Family! I am grateful to each of you.
Thank you for your efforts and important witness. You make us proud and I hope to reciprocate.
As a Louisvillian whose ministry required that I had to be elsewhere that day, please accept my thanks for standing up in my name, and going many extra miles to do it..
.Gratefully, Kay.
The four of you who traveled from Columbus are an inspiration! Thank you for encouraging/demanding us to pray and act.
Thanks for this article. It is a reminder to all of us to keep looking for ways to stop gun violence!
Thanks for your courage and participation. As a society, we need to recognize the evil of guns and the sorrows they cause. Unfortunately, corporate profits are always the number one priority in our culture. You are in my prayers.
So many thanks to all of you for going and for praying with others for the courage and wisdom to act in such an important issue!
Thank you for being part of this important event. Your presence in our name speaks volumes.
Blessings to each of you.
Thank you for attending and for sharing this reflection. We have much work to do. Thanks to Judy too.
Thanks for standing in our name!