Interfaith Prayer Service Offers Peace, Consolation, and Hope

At an interfaith prayer service on January 6 at St. Louis Cathedral, President Joe Biden carried with him the sorrow of the nation as he placed a lit candle in front of the altar as a memorial for the 14 people killed in the Jan. 1 terrorist truck attack on Bourbon Street.

After Archbishop Gregory Aymond delivered a brief homily – offering prayers for healing for the victims and their families – Biden gave his concluding remarks, thanking the assembled clergy, and also thanking Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell for their response to the terrorist attack.

Biden called the event a “horrific act of terrorism.”

“I know events like this are hard,” Biden said. “The shock and pain is still so very raw. My wife Jill and I are here to stand with you, to grieve with you, to pray with you, to let you know you are not alone.

“I know it’s been five days of staring at that empty chair at the kitchen table, not hearing their voice.

“If there’s one thing we know – New Orleans defines strength and resilience. You define it. Whether it’s in the form of this attack or hurricanes or superstorms – this city is people who get back up.

“To the families left behind, we know from some experience it's hard, but I promise you, the day will come when the memory of the loved one will bring a smile to your lips before a tear in your eye. It will take time, but I promise you, I promise you, it will come, it will take time.

“My prayer is that that day will come sooner rather than later, but it will come. And when it does, you may find purpose in your pain to live the life worthy of the one you lost.”

Biden recalled a hymn based on Psalm 91 at his church: “May he raise you up on eagle’s wings, and bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun and hold you in the palm of his hand.”