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05/30/2020
On May 30, 2020, Bishop Joe Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin issued this pastoral message in regard to the death of George Floyd:
"I join Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and my brother bishops throughout the country in praying for the repose of the soul of Mr. George Floyd, and those who have lost their lives as he did. Many communities around the nation, marginalized because of race or ethnicity, are expressing understandable frustration and anger at these recent events. The distress caused by this unjust and sinful act, and so many others like it, serves as a constant reminder that we must do more to point out how these actions contradict the Gospel of Life. We must continue to pray for and help all people arrive at a deep individual conversion of heart that will cultivate positive change and reform of our institutions and society. Holding fast to our faith in Christ, who broke down the dividing wall of hostility and division between people, let us join together and pray for the families of those who have suffered or have been affected by violence, hatred and oppression."
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Diocese of Austin
(Please find the full statement of the U.S. Bishops)