Today at the St. Louis Cathedral in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter Archbishop Aymond presided at Sunday Mass dedicated to the victims of violence across our area. Despite the amazing come back of a city and a region from something so devastating as Hurricane Katrina the ongoing issues of crime and violence still plague the area. The murder rate in New Orleans remains very high and other areas are dealing with crime now at levels unpreecedented.
Families of loved ones lost to acts of violence were asked to bring pictures to the Cathedral as they were placed on a special table in front of the sanctuary. Archbishop Aymond used his entire homily to preach against violence, hatred and racisim. He asked that as citizens we cooperate and help our police and other agencies to fight back against those who perpetrate violence. He asked that we take back the streets of our area.
Archbishop Aymond not only called for remeberance of these innocent victims but challenged us to remember those who cause so much pain and grief by their unlawful actions. They too need our prayers; for a change of heart and a healthy respect for life.
Archbishop Aymond has been outfront for quite some time now about the violence that cripples an otherwise healthy and growing region. Back in Lent he wrote a prayer and asked that every Catholic Parish pray this prayer at every Mass. So today, as Archbishop Aymond prays for and with the victims of crime I offer the prayer below and ask all who read it to pray it earnestly for our beleaugered community.
The New Battle of New Orleans: Violence, Murder, Racism
Our Family Prayer
Loving and faithful God, through the years the people of our archdiocese have appreciated the prayers and love of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in times of war, disaster, epidemic and illness. We come to you, Father, with Mary our Mother, and ask you to help us in the battle of today against violence,murder and racism.
We implore you to give us your wisdom that we may build a community founded on the values of Jesus, which gives respect to the life and dignity of all people.
Bless parents that they may form their children in faith. Bless and protect our youth that they may be peacemakers of our time. Give consolation to those who have lost loved ones through violence.
Hear our prayer and give us the perseverance to be a voice for life and human dignity in our community.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us.
Mother Henriette Delille, pray for us that we may be a holy family.
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