April 23, 2019
A message from Father Shanley and Father Cuddy on the tragedy in Sri Lanka
Dear Members of the Providence College Community:
The joy of Easter Sunday was shattered by the news that bombs were set off in Catholic churches, hotels, and a housing complex in three cities across the country of Sri Lanka. According to reports, nearly 300 people have died, and some 500 people were injured in these attacks. While information is still being gathered, an extremist group has claimed credit for this senseless series of violent attacks aimed at Christians. Whether it is churches in Sri Lanka, mosques in New Zealand, predominantly black churches in Louisiana, or Jewish synagogues in Pittsburgh, there should be no place in the world for atrocities such as these.
Providence College joins the people of Sri Lanka and people around the world in mourning the tragic loss of life, and in condemning this senseless violence. We grieve with the members of the Sri Lankan Catholic community, and we pray for all those who were injured or killed in the bombings. We will be remembering all of the victims during upcoming Masses at St. Dominic Chapel.
As we prepare for the final weeks of our academic year, may we remember how fortunate we are to be part of this loving and caring community. May we also be especially attuned, at all times, to reaching out in kindness and friendship to others who think and worship differently than we do. We pray that Almighty God, whose only begotten son died for us on Good Friday and rose to eternal glory on Easter Sunday morning, brings healing and hope to the people of Sri Lanka in the days and weeks ahead.
—Father Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President
—Father James Cuddy, O.P., Vice President for Mission & Ministry
