Fr. Cooper's Letter on Chicago's July 4th Shooting

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

I offer my prayers on behalf of the parishioners of Divine Mercy Parish to the families and friends of those killed and the victims who were critically wounded at the mass shooting at the July Fourth parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park this morning. The gunman apparently opened fire on parade-goers from a rooftop using a rifle that was recovered at the scene. News reports from mid-afternoon Monday state that 6 people are dead and over two-dozen individuals suffered gunshot wounds and other serious injuries. I express my gratitude to law enforcement and other emergency personnel who were first on the scene of this heinous crime, and whose actions undoubtedly saved additional lives. I offer prayers that the individual responsible for this carnage may be captured, justice served, and wholeness prevail.  

This senseless violence, against innocent parade-goers celebrating our nation’s Independence Day, again horrifies our consciences, as there seems to be no end to the bloodshed overwhelming us. Something remains fundamentally evil in our society when locations where people congregate to engage in festivities and the everyday activities of life can, without warning, become scenes of violence and contempt for human life. The plague of senseless violence remains unchecked and spreads across our country. 

Things must change! Hearts must change! As a people of faith, we continue to pray for all the victims, and for healing in the many communities stricken by mass shootings and senseless violence. But action is also needed to end these abhorrent acts. I call on the Lord of Life to help us restore and rebuild respect for life in our nation, to end this unspeakable carnage which keeps repeating itself in a heartbreaking manner, and to bring our country back to Jesus – one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.