May 31, 2022, Immaculata, PA – The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary issue the following statement in the wake of the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
The IHM Sisters of Immaculata, Pennsylvania, with broken hearts and deep moral outrage, watch another community in our nation being torn apart by gun violence that has caused grief and anguish with the loss of multiple lives, mostly young children. Life has forever changed in Uvalde, Texas!
This is the third mass shooting in 10 days involving semi-automatic weapons. Ten women and men lost their lives, and many were injured in Buffalo, New York, while grocery shopping on a Saturday afternoon. The very next day in Laguna Woods, California, one person was killed and five were injured attending services and fellowship at their Presbyterian Church. Just days ago, in Uvalde, Texas, the second deadliest school shooting in our nation’s history took place. We empathize with the cries of those who say “Enough!”
Legislation concerning gun ownership that focuses on safety and the common good has not yet gained traction in our U.S. Congress. It is time that our elected officials listen more intently with open ears and hearts to all the voices of the people whom they represent in this nation. Therefore, we call on Congress to enact gun control legislation that will more effectively protect the lives of all citizens. Such legislation would include, among other initiatives, providing for background checks and a ban on access to assault weapons with high-capacity ammunition magazines.
We stand in solidarity with all who seek an end to the epidemic of gun violence in our country. Advocating for common sense legislative actions, we hope to find peaceful and effective solutions. We pray that God’s loving embrace comforts the grieving families in Uvalde, Buffalo and Laguna Woods who are suffering such a violent and devastating loss and for all victims of gun violence and their families. Placing our trust in God, we pray in the words of the prophet Jeremiah: “Our God’s love never ends. God’s mercies never stop. They are new every morning; great is God’s faithfulness.” (Lam. 3:22-23)