This morning at my church in northwest suburban Chicago, our pastor read the names and ages of the 49 people whose lives were taken at the Pulse nightclub one week ago. It took several minutes for Fr. Manny to read the names and ages of those 49 souls taken from this world far too soon. It was a very sobering time during the service.
And during the Prayers of the People, one of the petitions we offered to God this morning was:
Merciful God, bind up the wounds of all who suffer from gun violence, those maimed and disfigured, those left alone and grieving, and those who struggle to get through one more day. Bless them with your presence and help them find hope. For all who lives are forever marked by the scourge of gun violence, Loving God, make us instruments of your peace.
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Born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa. Chicago 1979 to 1986. Northwest Suburbs of Chicago - Schaumburg since 1988.
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