Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco issued the following statement “A Call to End Violence against Asian-Americans”:

“The rise in violence against Asian people across the country is alarming and horrific to all people of right reason.  Even their elders, among the most respected individuals in Asian society, have been targeted and attacked.  All the more disturbing are the brutal assaults that have been perpetrated against Asian-Americans here in San Francisco in recent days.  This is not San Francisco!  On the contrary, our city has always been an epicenter of Asian-American culture, with recurring waves of Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, South Asian, and other immigrants overcoming discrimination and hardship to contribute to the rich tapestry of this city’s life.

“This coming April 10, the Saturday after Easter, the Archdiocese will hold an Easter Peace Prayer Service at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 3:00 pm, where we will pray for an end to violence and racism particularly against Asians, for healing for our nation, and for the flourishing of peace and justice in our land.  The necessary COVID safety protocols will be strictly observed.

“We invite people of all faiths (and none) to join us.  For those interested, the rosary will be prayed on the Cathedral plaza beforehand, beginning at 2:30 pm.

From an email from the Benedict XVI Institiute.

LA Catholics to pray in solidarity with Asian communities after hate crimes

Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez will celebrate a candlelight prayer vigil in solidarity with the Asian and Pacific Islander American communities in the wake of recent acts of racial violence across the U.S. 

The Outdoor Prayer Vigil for Racial Acceptance will take place at Incarnation Church in Glendale on Wednesday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. Bishop Alex Aclan of the San Fernando Pastoral Region (where Incarnation is located) will deliver the homily. Auxiliary Bishop Marc Trudeau of the San Pedro Pastoral Region and Incarnation pastor Fr. Rodel Balagtas will also be present. 

“We stand in solidarity with the victims of racial violence across the United States as we uphold our commitment to the core values of Catholicism,” said Bishop Aclan in advance of the vigil. “As we mobilize the faithful to take action against racism, we take Christian love, and not political interests, as our guide.”

Attendees at the vigil will have the option to sit in the outdoor worship space wearing masks and following social distancing protocols, or stay in their cars parked in Incarnation’s parking lot. 

Full story at Angelus News.