WARWICK, RI (June 4, 2020) – The following is a statement from Fr. Robert L. Marciano, KHS ’75, President, and Mr. Mark R. DeCiccio ’03, Principal:
Inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, the hallmark of a Bishop Hendricken education is unrelenting advocacy for the marginalized of our society against the injustices that they face. A Bishop Hendricken man is one who serves as a voice for those who are voiceless.
As a Catholic school community, we are called to unequivocally advocate for life, work against racism in all forms, and speak for those who are vulnerable. Put simply, the deaths of Mr. George Floyd, Mr. Ahmaud Arbery, Ms. Breonna Taylor, and countless others are not only deeply troubling, but quite frankly, repugnant.
We want to be perfectly clear: racism has no home at our school, in our community, or in our society. Period.
At Bishop Hendricken, we stand with our students, parents, families, alumni, and neighbors of color. 1 Corinthians 12:26 tells us: “If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” People of color have been hurting and facing injustice that cannot be denied. Here, our brotherhood is only as strong as each and every student feels secure, valued, cared for, and loved. Our promise is to ensure that every student feels the full breadth of that safety, and we will ardently thwart any threats to that security.
These are challenging and distressing times. We ask that members of our community pray, dialogue, and work. Pray for the strength to stand up and speak out against injustice, even when it may seem scary. Engage in meaningful conversation with those who are struggling in any way to better understand and appreciate their experience. And, work enthusiastically, passionately, and unwaveringly for justice, equality, and peace.
We are here to support our family – students, faculty, staff, parents, families, friends, alumni, and neighbors – always.
We see you. We hear you. We value you. We support you. We love you.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.