A Few Words from Fr. Fitz

I take it to heart that many of our Catholic Regis University faculty and staff are a vital part of their local diocesan parishes and communities. I share your profound sorrow for the recent spate of vandalism, defilement and desecration of more than 25 churches across the Front Range.

We are brought up to regard churches as safe havens.  So too, we are taught about the consecrated and sacred and cannot imagine anyone stealing or defiling a tabernacle.  As such, it is unfathomable to think of any bad actor setting out deliberately to violate what we revere and to dash our hope and trust. 

And the rage against faith-based institutions and communities safe havens and communities extends to all of our neighbors and in churches, synagogues and mosques across our country and globe.

It is human nature for disappointment to give way to anger and for anger to give way to retribution.  We are reminded, however, by Mahatma Gandhi that “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”

In addition to our faith-based communities, we are exceedingly fortunate to be part of a university where reason and discourse, mission and values, are fully embedded and vibrant. 

While we cry for peace, let us also use our God-given gifts and educated opportunities to be lightning rods in equal measure for change and understanding. 

Be assured of my prayers for you and your faith communities now and always. 

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” —Saint Francis de Sales

Gratefully and with a warm heart,

Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J.

President