“The word of God allows for no complacency; It constantly impels us to acts of love.”
“We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.”
Pope Francis, June 2020
Local, national and world news of the recent murder of George Floyd fill our lives with images of inequities, violence, hatred and disrespect of Black lives. La Salle Manor, as a Lasallian Ministry, recognizes as we ache for transformation and healing, we also recognize God’s presence even in the pain and chaos, we are deeply committed to remembering we are always “In the Holy Presence of God”.
Remembering that we are in God’s Presence though is not enough. We must also act. La Salle Manor has always responded to the incongruence between the Christian vision of humanity at its best and the social conditions of the era which impedes such holistic development. Today our mission remains the same, but we renew our passion and zeal for our mission as we reflect on our role in the centuries fight for racial justice; dismantling racism and white supremacy.
Specifically, La Salle Manor is working toward the following:
- More diversity representation on our Board of Directors
- Ongoing in-depth education regarding systemic racism of our retreat staff prior to conducting student retreats
- Offering programs to unveil systemic Anti-Black racism and White supremacy that are root causes of many social issues we see today
- Utilize vendors that publicly and actively support racial justice
Our hearts have been broken open and we realize we will never be a true community until systemic racism is eliminated from our society. La Salle Manor is committed to actions of radical love, to social justice, and to an inclusive community, one that fully includes Black Americans. In the words of Pastor Mia Wright at the funeral of George Floyd, “this is a moment of connectivity.” Join us as we embrace this moment with the honesty and integrity God calls us to.
Please continue to check our website for future programming and opportunities you can be involved with our shared mission and please also join us in the below prayer provided by the US Catholic Conference of Bishops as part of the Church’s seven points of Catholic Social Teaching.
On behalf of the Staff and Board of LSM Bob Dressel President of LSM Live Jesus in Our Hearts – Forever
The 5 Point Star – Lasallian Principles
– CONCERN FOR THE POOR, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – FAITH IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD – RESPECT FOR ALL PERSONS – INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY – QUALITY EDUCATION
Wake Me Up Lord
Wake me up Lord, so that the evil of racism finds no home within me. Keep watch over my heart Lord, and remove from me any barriers to your grace, that may oppress and offend my brothers and sisters. Fill my spirit Lord, so that I may give services of justice and peace. Clear my mind Lord, and use it for your glory. And finally, remind us Lord that you said, “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Amen.
Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved. This text may be reproduced in whole or in part without alteration for nonprofit educational use, provided such reprints are not sold and include this notice.
USCCB Catholic Social Teaching: Seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching
Solidarity: “We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that if you want peace, work for justice. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.”
