It is with profound grief that I respond to the brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk during his “American Comeback” tour at Utah Valley University. Today, our nation mourns not only the loss of a bold voice for truth, but a husband and father who leaves behind a wife and two little children. We commend his soul to the mercy of Almighty God and entrust his grieving family to the consolation of Christ, who alone can heal such a wound.
Charlie Kirk was targeted for one reason: he spoke the truth without fear. He defended faith, family, and freedom with a clarity and courage rare in our age. His death is a stark reminder that hatred, when left unchecked, festers into violence. This was not merely an assault on one man: it was an assault on the principles of free dialogue, civic order, and human dignity.
As Catholics, we affirm with unwavering conviction that every human life is sacred. To meet words with bullets is the way of tyranny, not of liberty. Truth must be engaged with reason, persuasion, and debate; not silenced with bloodshed.
I call upon every leader, regardless of party or persuasion, to condemn this murder unequivocally. To remain silent in the face of such evil is to be complicit in its advance. Let this tragedy awaken America to the urgent need to recover respect for life, civility in discourse, and courage in the pursuit of truth.
We pray for the repose of Charlie’s soul, for the strength of his wife and daughters, and for the healing of a nation now scarred by his loss. May God receive him into eternal light, and may the sacrifice of his life inspire us all to stand more firmly for what is right, without fear.
Great news from NSDA! Our very own Becca Sather placed as 1st alternate for the National qualifier tournament as a fist year debater! Nice work Becca! #RideOn
Winning games when you aren’t shooting well is a key trait of any good team and that’s what UND did tonight. Find a way.
Also, I think NDSU should feel good about where they are as a team after this weekend. Their defense is much improved.
#LGH
The Eucharist in Times Square: Procession With Father Mike Schmitz Draws Thousands on NYC Streets
Priests, nuns, and laity participated in a massive Eucharistic Procession on the streets of New York City on Oct. 10, 2023.
Approximately 5,000 Catholics attended the procession hosted by the Napa Institute for this year's Principled Entrepreneurship Conference.
Father Mike Schmitz, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Diocese of Duluth, opened the conference with a standing-room-only Mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Eucharistic procession and Benediction.
In his homily, Father Mike said he initially did not want to lead a Eucharistic procession.
His students at the University of Minnesota Duluth often ask if they can process with the Eucharist on campus, but he also says no.
He fears the general public will not understand the Eucharist or know how to react when the procession passes by.
"When I think of a Eucharistic procession, like no, I want them to know this is Jesus. I want them to understand. No, this is the love of God for you in the flesh," Father Mike explained. "This is the love of God who loves you to the point where even if you are his enemy, He's poured out his life for you. In fact, that's what scripture says."
He said as Catholics who believe, we will notice Jesus in the Eucharist. However, he encourages the faithful to help the world understand Jesus' Eucharistic Presence.
"What God has asked us to do tonight is what he asked Jonah to do," Father Mike said, referencing the Oct. 10 daily Mass readings. "'Go out there and take me [the Eucharist] with you.
"Go out there to a world that doesn't notice me [Jesus]– that doesn't understand me [Jesus]--That doesn't accept me. Go out there and just take me [the Eucharist] with you."
Father Mike then explained why he wants Jesus to "come in power and glory."
"We will all know in that moment when God comes fully revealed and fully present. Everyone will notice. No one will miss him and no one will misunderstand His love," he said. "We will have either chosen to be his friends or we will have chosen to be his enemies."
He then concluded his homily saying the procession was an "incredible opportunity" to be Jonah and Simon of Cyrene.
"Let this procession be your choice to say, 'God, I want you to recognize me in Your Glory, so I'm going to cling to You.'"
Following Mass, Father Mike led Benediction and the Eucharistic procession began from Saint Patrick's Cathedral.
New York Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Whalen held the Eucharistic monstrance while priests, religious, and laity followed.
Several priests and religious orders attended, including the Sisters for Life, the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, Dominican sisters, and clergy from both the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Napa Institute representative Grady Connolly told ChurchPOP that attendees said the Eucharistic procession "was one of the most moving experiences of their faith thus far. Many were moved to tears as we processed through Times Square during rush hour with a police escort."
https://t.co/8XlNd04xJG
Video courtesy of @NapaInstitute
GFC-Red River Student Congress had a good day at the Mandan Invite! The following students were placers at the event yesterday:
Genevieve Ulrich (RR) 2nd in H5
Ada Dachtler (GFC) 6th in H1
Rebecca Sather (RR) 6th in H2
#RideOn
Enjoy the Ride Softball Events this Week--
Tuesday- Fan Appreciation- Free 🍪🍪🍪& chance at gift cards to Starbucks, ChickfilA, and DQ
Wednesday- Strike Out Cancer with @GFCKnightsSB - 50/50 pot guarenteed over $100 and 12 baskets. Both items are only $1.00 per 🎟️#EnjoyTheRide