A message from Father Sicard on the Colorado shooting
College President Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. ’78, ’82G shared the following message with the Providence College community on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022.
Dear Members of the Providence College Community:
For the second time this month, we have begun the week in sorrow reeling from the news of yet another mass shooting in our country, this time involving the murder of five people at an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado on Saturday. Twenty-five others were also injured in this horrific incident.
With over 600 shootings in the United States this year alone, my fear is that, as a society, we have become desensitized to this senseless violence. We cannot let that happen. All of these shootings mean that someone has taken the life of one or more of God’s children. It means that someone has decided that these individuals no longer have the right to life. I find it unconscionable and immoral, and it sickens me.
I have no doubt that we all are outraged, and that our hearts go out to the members of the LGBTQ+ community, including in a special way those here on our campus. No one should be forced to feel alienated, vulnerable, or unsafe because of who they are.
As we prepare to gather with our families and friends in thanksgiving, I ask you to join me in prayer for those who lost their lives in Colorado this weekend, as well as for those who were injured. May our loving God receive the souls of those who have died, bring healing to those who were injured, and comfort to those who mourn. May He send His Spirit of Consolation to all members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who live in fear of such violence.
Sincerely,
Fr. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P.
President
