Commit
to weapon of peace
This week residents of the city and region mourn the death of Philadelphia
Police Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski, killed in the line of duty last Saturday.
The funeral rites we witness elicit deep emotions from everyone: sympathy
for his wife and children; support for his fellow officers on the police
force; solidarity with the community of Port Richmond where the crimes
took place and with St. Cecilia Parish, to which the family belongs.
A sense of anger and frustration accompanies the tears. How long must
good citizens endure violence and murder, even perpetrated on the men
and women sworn to protect us? While experts in law enforcement and government
grapple with solutions to violence in our streets and homes, most readers
of this newspaper will have little say in new calls for tougher sentencing,
more police officers or restrictive gun laws. Nonetheless, we people of
faith have a job to do.
Cardinal Justin Rigali asked for prayers last Sunday “for a change
of heart for those who resort to violence, for the happy repose of the
soul of Officer Liczbinski … and for the safety of all police officers….”
No law or policy can bring about this deeper change. But the power of
God can. It is our turn to act by praying to God for greater peace among
His children.
What better way to do this than through the rosary, and what better time
than May, traditionally the month of the Blessed Mother? This sorrowful
occasion presents the opportunity for all Catholics in the Archdiocese
of Philadelphia to commit ourselves to peace by praying the rosary at
least once a week this month (as a start). We might choose to begin on
the day of Sergeant Liczbinski’s funeral on Friday and keep at it
each week on that day. Perhaps Monday, May 13, the Feast of our Lady of
Fatima, would be appropriate. Or better yet, today — right away.
The world has in Mary a powerful advocate as she intercedes for us to
her Son, Jesus. Meditating on the mysteries of the rosary helps us grow
in love for Jesus. Our Lord can transform this “vale of tears”
through hearts afire with love for almighty God. May our Lady of Fatima
console and pray for us as we commit anew to using the weapon of peace:
the rosary.