By Dubravka Cortese | Correspondent

As a storm raged outside of St. Joan of Arc Church, Marlton, the evening of June 23, inside parishioners quietly gathered to dedicate a special Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration for the end of racism in the world, a tribute to those who lost their lives in a race-related church shooting in South Carolina a week earlier. Nine people were killed when a shooter opened fire during a June 17 Bible study being held in Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, S.C.

The near tornado-like conditions during the Holy Hour served as a metaphor for the violence in South Carolina, and the 40 or so faithful who gathered to pray for those touched by the tragedy were an example of how faith and compassion for fellow man crosses all religious boundaries.

Fitting for a stormy night, the selected Gospel reading was Mark 4:35-41, when Jesus calms the stormy waters. Touching on the irony, in his homily Father Jorge Bedoya, parochial vicar, joked that, “God has a very good sense of humor.”

He went on, “We are the boat navigating in the midst of conflict. But God is with us. Although sometimes he seems to be slipping, deep inside our hearts we know he is our refuge.”

Stating that the Charleston killings have unfortunately been called a part of our reality, Father Bedoya urged that, “we cannot let hate win in this tragedy. Fear can lead us into the path of hate; and hate can lead us into the path of violence; and violence can lead us into the path of suffering.”

Once again referencing the Gospel passage, Father  Bedoya said, “Let us cross the river and embrace all those whose hearts are broken.”

Nine candles were lit in the sanctuary for the nine who lost their lives in the Charleston hate crime. The candles, along with a memorial booklet signed by those who attended the Holy Hour and letters of condolence from parishioners, will be sent to Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.

Parishioner Alyson Madorno, who was also celebrating the anniversary of her mother’s “fourth year in heaven,” said the importance of the Holy Hour was not lost on her or her family. “It’s close,” she said, “and they are a parish, like us.”

Madorno brought not only her husband and five children with her, but some of her children’s friends as well to pray against racism. “For me, it was an opportunity to teach the children.”

Matt Bisicchia, 15, also hoped a lesson would be taught. “You have to learn to go against racism and hatred and find help with God,” he wisely said. “Being close to God and praying to God will help us to not be racist and prejudice. It just takes one person at a time.”

Matt’s mother, Cosima Bisicchia, was hopeful the Charleston shooter’s beliefs and actions would not be interpreted as a stereotypical representation of his race. 

“God did prevail,” she added, pointing out that the death toll could have been much worse.

“God is going to fix things,” Cosima Bisicchia said faithfully. “He really will.”