Statement during
'Walk for Peace'

July 8, 2001

following July 3 shooting in Rifle, Co.,
which killed four Mexican immigrants

Most Reverend José H. Gomez
Auxiliary Bishop of Denver

First of all, let me extend my personal condolences to the families and friends of Melquiades Medrano Velasquez, Juan Carlos Medrano Velasquez, Juan Hernandez and Angelica Toscano. Please know that each of you, your loved ones who have died, and those who have been injured are in my prayers, in Archbishop Chaput's prayers and in the prayers of thousands from across our state and our country.

I want to speak in a special way to my Mexican brothers and sisters who have been so deeply wounded by this tragedy. Words cannot ease the confusion and pain many of you are feeling. I know it's difficult to think about peace and reconciliation at a time like this, but your presence here tonight is a wonderful sign of hope and unity.

I know many of you have suffered hardships to come to this country, and you seek only to provide basic necessities for yourselves and your families. A tragedy like this may tempt us to lose hope and even question our faith. But know that God is with you, His love brings comfort and healing.

The road to peace and justice is difficult, it often is paved with suffering. But if we seek first to renew our own hearts, we can build communities based on mutual respect and love. We need to embrace our differences knowing that each of us is made perfectly in the image and likeness of God.

May we all rededicate ourselves to loving our neighbor, protecting the vulnerable among us, and striving for peace in our lives and in our communities.

May God strengthen, comfort and encourage each of you, and in the aftermath of this violence, may He lead all of us to be instruments of His peace.