"On April 15, 2013, Boston experienced an unprecedented attack that took the lives of Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu, MIT Police Officer Sean Collier and Boston Police Sgt. Dennis Simmonds. We will never forget them. Each of their lives was a unique expression of love, concern for others, and courage. They will remain in our prayers as will their loved ones who continue to mourn their loss. Hundreds were injured that day and, in their recovery, have inspired us with their courage and determination to not let hate deter them from living their lives. Survivors of the marathon bombing continue to amaze us each year by running the race as a sign of hope and the resiliency of the human spirit. We are grateful to our first responders who selflessly charged into danger to rescue the injured and bring aid and comfort to all who were impacted. They exemplified the best of humanity.

Ten years removed from that horrific day, the pain and suffering we witnessed does not easily subside. During this season of Easter, as we celebrate Christ’s victory over death, we are reminded that in the midst of the darkness of this tragedy we turn to the light of Jesus Christ. We put our faith and trust in the Lord despite the senseless violence of that day. 

We live in a world where increasingly senseless violent acts take the lives of innocent people, including children. We need our leaders to demonstrate the courage to find consensus and enact policies for gun safety and mental health programs, to save lives and address the underlying causes of this violence. 

Each of us can contribute to these challenges through thoughtful consideration of how we talk to and about each other. Pope Francis has shared with us that“the more we feel our hearts are agitated, the more we sense we are nervous, impatient, angry inside, the more we need to ask the Lord for the Spirit of peace” He added, “and let us also ask this for those who live next to us, for those we meet each day, and for the leaders of nations.”  

Let us honor the memory of Martin, Krystle, Lingzi, Sean and Dennis by asking the Lord for this gift of peace during these challenging days."