Tragedy in Lafayette

Another shooting tragedy in an American theater struck a little close to home today. Many times over the years, I visited the Discalced Carmelite nuns in Lafayette, Louisiana. In fact, yesterday, the day of the shooting, was the patronal feast of the monastery -- Mary, Mother of Grace.

In February of 1991, Fr. Steve Payne and I stopped overnight in Lafayette on our way to New Orleans, where we would be staying at a Dominican monastery. After dinner, we went to see the Robin Williams movie take-off on the Peter Pan story, "Hook." As I recall, we were practically the only people in the theater. Sadly, the theater this time was packed. The photos of the Grand Theater where last night's shooting took place certainly look like what I remember of where we watched Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman ham it up. I realize, of course, that twenty-four years have passed and that all such places look pretty much alike.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace! May all who suffer and grieve be comforted by the care of concern of those around them. 

May the violence that is too common in our midst come to an end.