June 2, 2020
This past weekend, those in the United States were invited to pause and grieve the more than 100,000 persons who have died nationwide as a result of COVID-19. Another death, coming not at the hands of an invisible virus, but of law enforcement officials, plunged us further into grief. The appalling death of George Floyd again focused our attention on the continued killing, harassment and denial of rights experienced by our brothers and sisters of color in the United States, as well as in many countries around the world.
The Sisters of the Holy Cross stand in solidarity with all persons dedicated to justice, peace and right relationships in condemning violence and discrimination, especially as it is so often aimed at people of color. We echo the confession of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in the United States and acknowledge our own complicity in systemic racism. We stand with LCWR in asking forgiveness of our sisters and brothers of color.
We pledge to pray for the healing of all nations tainted with the evil of racism, discrimination and bigotry, that they may experience God’s liberating and healing presence. We also pledge to take nonviolent action and raise our voices to eliminate domination and subordination of persons in any circumstance, and to work unceasingly to bring about justice and peace in every country around the globe, especially those where Sisters of the Holy Cross live and minister.
We hold in prayer the family of George Floyd, the community of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and all people who suffer violence and injustice.
Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross
General Administration
Sister M. Veronique (Wiedower), CSC
Sister Catherine Osimo, CSC
Sister Esther Adjoa Entsiwah, CSC
Sister Kathleen Moroney, CSC
Sister Mary Tiernan, CSC
Sister Pushpa Teresa Gomes, CSC
Sister Suzanne Brennan, CSC
