October 11, 2023
 
Dear Prep Family,
 
As a community charged with the Work of the Society of Jesus, we are called to identify first and primarily as a human family with a common responsibility for all people rather than just members of a particular nation or group. Unfortunately, around the world hate and violence has too frequently deprived our brothers and sisters of their human dignity and the respect that each of their lives deserve. There are ongoing wars, acts of senseless violence, and abuses of power being perpetrated to the point when we may become numb. However, there are moments when sin and action manifest in such an evil outcome that we are jarred awake and cannot look away, no matter how horrific the reality may be.
 
What we have witnessed in Israel and Palestine is exactly this—evil. The atrocities, devastation, and murder are contradictory to the sacredness of human life. There is no justification or legitimization of this horrifying brutality. There is no world that exists where these acts are condoned. The initial terrorist attacks and the brutal fighting that continues in its aftermath is counter to our beliefs as members of the human family, regardless of country or creed. We urge all world leaders to intervene. Too many have already been lost, and there is too much at stake for our humanity.
 
In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius teaches us we must not look away. Our mission demands that we must not stand aside while others are suffering, that we must give voice to the voiceless, and that we must be the hands and feet of God; then, we become the light in the face of darkness. 
 
We pray for the people of Israel. We pray for the people of Palestine. We pray for each of our brothers and sisters who are being violently robbed of their human dignity. We pray for those who have been killed and for their loved ones who are suffering. We pray for wisdom for and action from our world leaders. We pray for peace outside of our doors and around the world.
 
 
Mr. John Marinacci P '27
President
 
Rev. Stephen Surovick, S.J.
Senior Director, Mission and Ministry
In our Morning Announcements, we have prayed St. Francis of Assisi’s prayer for peace. We now share it with you and encourage you to take a moment and be the light that our dark world needs. 
 
Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
 
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
The mission of St. Joseph’s Prep as a Catholic, Jesuit, urban college preparatory school is to
develop the minds, hearts, souls, and characters of young men in their pursuit of
becoming men for and with others.
 
St. Joseph’s Prep | 1733 W. Girard Ave. | Philadelphia, PA 19130