Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Our nation, our city and our university are shocked and heartbroken by the mass shooting in Orlando this past weekend, and we join together in condemning this horrific act of violence against our brothers and sisters.
Seattle University is dedicated to a diversity that welcomes all to our campus, and we stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community in this very difficult time. Our diversity is a strength that we celebrate, and we condemn the hatred expressed in this shooting.
As a campus community we will remember those who lost their lives by gathering on Wednesday, June 15, during our 12:30 p.m. mass at the Chapel of St. Ignatius, followed by a moment of silence and the tolling of the bells outside the Chapel immediately following mass. All are welcome.
We also invite you to consider joining in a city-wide expression of solidarity a little later on Wednesday. At 7:30 p.m., members of our Seattle University community will join in an interfaith prayer, vigil and march that begins at St. Mark’s Cathedral, and processes to St. James Cathedral (full details below). Please join us in witnessing to the power of mercy and love in the face of violence and hatred.
For those currently on our campus, know that support is available to you through the office of Counseling and Psychological Services, as well as the Office of Campus Ministry.
Let us remember in prayer the victims and their families, and may we rededicate ourselves to be a community that honors and embraces our diversity.
In prayer and peace,
Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
President
Prayer, Vigil and Procession in Solidarity and Hope
Wednesday, June 15, 7:30 p.m.
Beginning at St. Mark’s Cathedral; Concluding at St. James Cathedral
In response to the horrific shootings in Orlando, you are invited to an interfaith prayer and procession. People of all faiths are invited to gather at St. Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E., for an interfaith service. We will then process with religious and civic leaders across Broadway to St. James Cathedral for a concluding prayer and candle lighting. All are welcome.