Ultimately, in the battle against lies and violence, truth and love have no other weapon than the witness of suffering.”

– Pope Benedict XVI

We awoke this morning to the devastating news that two Phoenix priests had been victims of a senseless act of violence.  With deep sadness we heard that Fr. Kenneth Walker’s life was taken and that Fr. Joseph Terra was in critical but stable condition.

priestJoin us in prayer for the blessed repose of Fr. Walker and for the complete recovery of Fr. Terra.  Let us pray as well for the comfort of Christ to be bestowed upon all the members of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, Mater Misericordiae Mission, and the priests’ families and friends.

While our community did not have the joy of knowing Fr. Walker, we have been blessed in our friendship with Fr. Terra.  He frequently visits Our Lady of Solitude Monastery.  Many times, over the course of the last few years, Father has graciously offered Mass for us when we were in need of priestly assistance.

And so, please join us in asking the Lord to bring healing and comfort to Fr. Terra, entrusting Him to the merciful and loving Heart of Jesus.  Let us also pray for the person(s) who perpetrated this crime, that they might be brought to justice and conversion.

And, finally, let us remember the priest whose young life was taken: Eternal rest grant unto Fr. Kenneth Walker, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Join us in praying the Litany of the Sacred Heart for all of these intentions