A Chaplain’s Thoughts: Don’t dismiss the importance of prayer
By Rev. James F. Quigley, O.P. ’60
Associate Chaplain, National Alumni Association
Assassinations, school shootings, war, explosive rhetoric, terrorism, angry brutal protests, and other forms of violence are common topics in the press, social media, and interpersonal conversations. We live in some violent times, don’t we?
When an awful violent tragedy happens, some public officials, religious leaders, or commentators offer condolences and say we will remember the victim or victims in prayer. Others claim that is not enough and that more must be done to prevent such violence, such as limiting access to handguns and assault weapons.
But prayer should not be dismissed cavalierly. In the words of Bishop Robert Barron, leader of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester: “Catholics don’t think that prayer magically protects them from all suffering …. Prayer is the raising of the mind and heart to God, which strikes me as altogether appropriate precisely at time of great pain. And prayer by no means stands in contrast to decisive moral action.”
We can’t always understand why God would allow violence, but we surely believe He is with us in suffering. Saint Mother Teresa commented: “I used to believe that prayer changes things. But now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things.”
Violence, whatever form it takes, is just not acceptable if we hope to remain human persons in a human community or, for that matter, in a church. Through the Lord’s mercy, may prayer help heal the hearts of those who might hurt others without His grace.
Rev. James Quigley, O.P. ’60, celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood in 2025. He continues to serve the college as associate alumni chaplain. Read tributes to him from alumni.
