January 07, 2021
A message from Father Sicard on violence at the Capitol
Dear Members of the Campus Community,
We watched in horror yesterday as domestic terrorists violently invaded the Capitol and attempted to destroy democratic beliefs and thwart processes that are sacred to our nation. Their actions, which led to the deaths of four people, were deplorable and must be condemned by people of faith and by all Americans who treasure our democracy. There is consolation in knowing that people of varying political ideologies are united in their rejection and abhorrence of these actions, and that our national identity and political processes remain strong. Once again, the darkness has not overcome the light! We have much to be grateful for.
Nevertheless, we need to acknowledge with deep sorrow the fact that we as a nation seem to have lost our way in addressing sensitive and vitally important issues in appropriate and peaceful ways. We have found ourselves once again having our most important national discussions overtaken by certain elements of our society. Yesterday, we witnessed a siege on the seat of American democracy by radicals determined to overthrow our government and the Constitution from which it derives its authority. Over the past six months, the legitimate and righteous aspirations of peaceful protestors connected to the Black Lives Matter movement were overshadowed by those intent on violence and mayhem. Many have commented on the disparity between law enforcement’s response to yesterday’s insurrectionists and the many peaceful protesters of the Black Lives Matter movement. There is a genuine fear that this will lead to even further division and unrest in our country. While it would be completely wrong for us to rush to judgment before all the facts are known, we must, nonetheless, recommit ourselves strongly to our work in recognizing, acknowledging, and eliminating bias and becoming a beloved community.
Father Dennis H. Holtschneider, the president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, reminded Catholic colleges of the responsibility we have as institutions of higher education to “stir campus reflection on how we teach civil responsibility, a sense of the common good, racial equality, and moral integrity.” He goes on to say, “It is a shame that yesterday’s events transpired. It would be another shame if we miss this moment’s educational possibilities.” As a Catholic and Dominican college, we can do no less, and I look forward to robust and mutually respectful campus discussions on how best to do this.
At present, let us unite in prayer for national healing. To paraphrase the Prayer of St. Francis:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace; where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
God bless Providence College, and God bless our nation.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Sicard, O.P.
College President
