Harboring the Harborless

I find my thoughts and prayers returning over and over to those in Orlando and the exceptional number of victims of violence in our own city last weekend. Chicago experienced a record number of gun related acts of violence and far, far too many deaths. Countless families and friends mourn the loss of loved ones and dozens of victims who suffer emotional, spiritual, and physical wounds seek healing and an elusive grasp of what happened.

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” These words of Fred Rogers ring so true today.

We see those rushing to the victims, families, friends, witnesses, and bystanders of these tragedies. We see strangers open homes and hearts. We see people cross ideological boundaries and compassion cross borders. When a handful of individuals display the worst depravity of humanity, we see the better angels of countless human hearts and hands flock to those crying out.

This week I read a story about how, in the earliest hours of the tragedy at Pulse in Orlando, Catholic Charities had staff present to help translate for families that were just being notified regarding their loved ones. When law enforcement, media, and most of the country was still just learning of the event, these people left their safe homes to reach out to those in the most profound of crisis. They offered the comfort of understanding hearts, the gift of language, and the ministry of presence. They created a sense of home and hospitality for these people adrift.

As time moves on from those early hours of June 12, we are left to determine where do we go. How do we respond? With a presidential election, plenty of voices in Washington and the campaign trail have offered ideas and opinions. Media outlets and just about anyone with a social media account have offered their two cents. And that is as it should be. After all, these very freedoms of speech and press are part of what we celebrate this Independence Day week.

Yet, as Catholics, we have a more thorough understanding of freedom. Saint John Paul II said, “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in doing what we ought.” As we celebrate our Independence Day, our freedoms, may we remember the call to do what we ought. May we remember we are a people of love and mercy – called by our God to love our neighbor, all our neighbors. May we open our hearts, minds, and souls to the love of God so that we may open our doors to all those seeking a safe harbor in troubled times.

Jennifer Delvaux

Director of Faith Formation

Holy Name Cathedral


If you would like to help the victims and families of the attack in Orlando, you can find out more about the support that Catholic Charities is offering with funerals, counseling, and much more.

Share your thoughts below or on social media, tagging Holy Name Cathedral and using #SeasonOfMercy.