Missionaries of the Sacred

In 2008 alone, there were 510 known murders/non-negligent man-slaughters in Chicago, up from 443 in 2007. Chicago’s gang crime has been a major source of the violence. According to Chicago Police Supt., in his crime statistic report earlier this year, 92% of murder suspects and 72% of murder victims had criminal records. Last year, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) began working at St. Joseph Parish Shrine in the Near South side of Chicago. After witnessing the effects of gang and street violence on the community in the area, the MSC are now trying to work together with the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation.

On Thursday, November 12, Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Cardinal’s Liaison to the Hispanic Community, celebrated the annual memorial Mass for victims of violence in Chicago. Several Missionaries of the Sacred Heart participated in the event and showed their support for the community.  Everyone had a little white cross with the name of someone they loved who had been killed by gang or street violence. After the homily, a large wooden cross was brought forward, and people placed their small white crosses and sometimes pictures of their loved ones around the large cross.