Pope John Paul II, in Pastores Gregis, the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on The Mystery and Ministry of Bishops in the Church, wrote: "The pastoral activity of the bishop cannot fail to manifest particular concern for the demands of love and justice arising from the social and economic situation of the poor, the abandoned and the mistreated. In every poor person believers see a special image of Jesus" (no. 69). The Archdiocese as a whole and I particularly remain ever mindful of the poor and the struggling who live in the Inner City. These, our brothers and sisters who live in those neighborhoods which are so sorely afflicted in the culture of violence, remain ever close to the heart of the Church, which strives to assist and serve them as they live their faith in the midst of daily anxiety.
Saint John Vianney, the Patron Saint of Parish Priests, described the Priesthood as the love of the Heart of Jesus. I am especially grateful to the priests who so faithfully and generously serve our parishes which are located in the Inner City. Through their ministry, their fidelity, their example and their prayer, our priests make the love of the Heart of Christ felt by those whom they serve. The Heart of Jesus is a Heart wounded by the violence of sin. Yet, out of that Wounded Heart flows mercy and renewal. Frequently, our priests assigned in Inner City parishes witness the devastating effects of the violence which stalks our city neighborhoods. To those people whose hearts have been broken by loss and tragedy caused by cruel and wanton acts of violence, these priests have brought hope, encouragement and love. For their steadfast witness, their courage and their dedication, especially for reflecting the love of Jesus, I am deeply grateful.
The efforts of our priests, along with the efforts of other religious leaders, must be combined to show clearly that we of all faiths are dedicated to the cause of peace and harmony. Ecumenical and Inter-religious cooperation is critical at this volatile moment in the history of our city. If we proclaim a message of peace, reconciliation and renewal, that message must be underlined by cooperation, dialogue and community development. The collective resource of our ideas, our efforts, our personnel and our commitment to the common good will lay a groundwork for a society built on hope.
In reality, we cannot make people choose the good. We can only show them the truth, teach them the blessings of unity, harmony and peace, and invite them to build up a community of justice and love. Such lessons are taught and learned gradually over a life time. However, when confronted with heinous acts of violence — retribution and murder — committed even by teenagers, we cannot delay in our response. The future is in peril when young people are no longer safe, and the future looks grim when mere youths only know how to resolve conflict through use of weapons of violence. The circumstances of our time do not allow us the luxury to gradually develop a plan for peace. Charity demands a swift response so that lives will not be lost to senseless and random violence.
