Statement on Violence and Pain in Our Communities

Saint Viator High School, a Catholic and Viatorian ministry, recognizes the pain, suffering, and angst our country is enduring in the wake of the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN last week.  

Our Viatorian identity calls us to be a community that cultivates an environment for all to feel welcomed, included and involved. When we discover people are in pain and in need of healing, we lean on this community and turn to the Gospel to learn how to respond as Christ did. Now is the time to discern who God is calling us to be and to provide a peaceful and non-violent presence for society. Jesus demonstrates this in the Gospel texts when he tells Peter to put away his sword when responding to the potential violent acts of the Roman soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The Church unequivocally asks all people to respect the life and dignity of every person. In this time, people feel powerless. This is why we celebrated Pentecost. God sent us a guide to strengthen us to face the suffering around us. May we be part of God’s answer to the prayers of people experiencing uncertainty due to the pandemic, racism, violent riots, and fear, and raise up this community where faith is lived, deepened, and celebrated. May we always strive to do everything well, so that through us Jesus may be recognized by our sisters and brothers who are suffering.

We want to reaffirm to each of you, our commitment as a school against racial injustice and violence. We find strength in our mission, vision, and values, and we are proud that as a community, Saint Viator stands strongly against intolerance of any kind. 

Please see the response from Viatorian Provincial Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, for further reflection. 

Br. John Eustice, CSV

Vice President of Viatorian Identity and Mission