My dear Fr. Warren, Barb, Dan, Mary, Sharon, Steve, and the parishioners of St. Thomas More parish in St. Paul,
Yesterday, for the first time, I saw what has been happening over these past few days in your state and across the United States. It was very disturbing to see what was going on and I was deeply saddened to see the uncontrollable situation you all are presently facing.
Yes, we feel for you. You are our sister parish and what affects you unavoidably affects us. We are one family, of brothers and sisters, and this bond has been deepening over the months through our regular video conferences.
Fr Paul informed me that the death of George Floyd happened close to where you live, Fr. Warren, and that Minneapolis and St. Paul have been at the epicenter of this entire flare up. I want to assure you that at Umbir we are thinking of you, we are feeling for you, and we are definitely pray for you. We are concerned about your well being. I will also be requesting our parishioners, especially the paired families, to pray for you all and for goodwill and peace to prevail in your homes, cities, and across your country.
We hope and pray that the situation will improve quickly. Please know you are being remembered and prayed for at Umbir.
With warm regards, prayers and blessings,
Fr. Robert Pohrmen, SJ, Pastor of St. Francis Xavier
LETTER OF SOLIDARITY FROM THE JESUITS KOHIMA REGION IN INDIA
Dear Warren, RJ, Dan, Steve, Mary and Sharon,
You are amidst times of grief and anguish. I can only imagine the depth of agony and helplessness that you are facing during these turbulent days. Everything seem to be going wrong and no one seem to be in control. The state machinery is not able to face the chaos and violence unleashed by the mammoth crowds in reaction to the cruel and unthinkable death of George Floyd. All this, in the midst of a pandemic that we are not able to deal with!
Please be assured of our prayers for safety for all of you and harmony/peace in the country during these uncertain days, in Minneapolis in particular and all over the US in general. At Jesuit House where I stay, we have been closely following the pandemonium on the streets. While the anger is justified, the extent of violence has been unbelievable and painful to see. May the scars of wounds be healed and voices of peace and reconciliation prevail.
We are deeply united with you in prayers.
Fr Melvil, Superior of the Kohima Region, and the Jesuits of Kohima Region
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