Sadly, as a new school year begins, the hearts and minds of many remember the tragic event that happened at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, earlier this year.
I was particularly touched when I learned that the Catholic parish in Uvalde is named in honor of the Sacred Heart, as is our parish in Camden. I was moved when I read that many of the Robb Elementary School families were members of Sacred Heart Parish, and the pastor, Father Eddy Morales, was tasked with the burial of so many of the 19 children and two adults who were killed.
We cannot imagine the grief and pain that remains. At our parish in Camden, we are blessed that the studio of nationally recognized Catholic artist, Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, is across the street from our church and school. As the new school year began, Brother Mickey was inspired to draw an image of Jesus the Good Shepherd holding a little lamb close to his heart and surrounded by beautiful flowers. On the back of the image, Brother Mickey wrote this prayer:
“The parishioners and students of Sacred Heart Parish and School in Camden, New Jersey, send our loving prayers to the parishioners and students of Sacred Heart Parish and School in Uvalde, TX. May the Good Shepherd keep every child and teacher close to His Heart and remind you each and every day of His never-ending LOVE and MERCY. Live Jesus!”
I mailed 200 of Brother Mickey’s prayer cards to Father Morales and to the principal, Mr. Joseph Olan, and asked them to distribute the cards to Sacred Heart School students, parents, faculty and staff. In my correspondence, I told them that the hearts of Sacred Heart Parish and School in Camden are united to their hearts as they begin a new school year, and that all of our hearts are united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As Brother Mickey wrote, the Heart of Jesus is a never-ending Heart of LOVE and MERCY. At our opening school prayer service at Sacred Heart in Camden, we remembered those who lost their lives in Uvalde. As a gesture of love and unity, we placed 21 roses on our altar, one rose for all who lost their life that tragic day.
As the new school year begins, we will see school buses and parents drop off children for the school day. We will hear the chatter and laughter of children in classrooms and schoolyards. Please say a prayer for the parents who cannot bring their child to school and who will never hear their child laugh again.
Pray also for an end to school violence and to all senseless violence in our country. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Father Guest is pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Camden, and coordinator of the Black Catholic Ministry Commission and the diocesan Racial Justice Commission.
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