Opinion | Houses of worship can be a bridge to healing and restoration for our collective trauma

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As pastor and rector of the Basilica of St. Mary, I’ve seen how people from all walks of life find solace within our walls. Houses of worship are by their nature sanctuaries for grief and hope, places where pain is shared and prayers are whispered.

In addition to direct trauma, all of us in the Twin Cities are experiencing collective trauma. It’s best if we acknowledge this and chart a course toward healing and restoration. Faith communities in the Twin Cities have an important role to play in this regard. And while we may be a first stop in the immediate aftermath of deadly events, we can also continue to be a source of healing as our grief changes form.

In late August, as I was packing for a short trip to France, the news of a shooting in south Minneapolis flashed across the screen. I stopped in my tracks. Two young students from Annunciation Catholic School had been killed. The shock hit like a potent wave — another violent and senseless tragedy in the Twin Cities, and more beautiful lives taken from us. Once again, our city was thrust into mourning.

In the immediate aftermath, the Basilica offered familiar rituals that helped accompany us in the wake of this tragedy. The evening following the death of the students at Annunciation, we were blessed to host an interfaith prayer service — many were moved by the turnout and the beautiful words delivered by Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman and Archbishop Bernard Hebda.

Earlier this past summer, the Basilica hosted the funeral Mass of Melissa and Mark Hortman. The church was packed, the grief was palpable, and our community was honored to open our doors for such an important occasion.

In May, we also commemorated the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd — another senseless killing, a precious life taken too soon — a son, brother, friend and nephew whose absence is acutely felt by those who loved him most.

At the University of St. Thomas School of Law, I teach courses that take up topics of justice, harm and trauma and the need for healing and restoration, including the corresponding need for greater accountability for those who cause harm.

Twin Cities residents need to acknowledge and begin processing the harm and trauma we have experienced over the last several years. The pandemic was another experience of harm that has not been processed or healed. In short, we are the walking wounded. Experts note that trauma not healed is dispersed. We have work to do.

I wholeheartedly believe that faith communities — houses of worship — can be a place of needed community, dialogue and healing in response to collective trauma. The Basilica of St. Mary will play its part as will other communities of faith, I am sure. Yes, we are strengthening our security protocols at the Basilica, but we are also looking at ways to open our doors for those who are seeking healing or perhaps an evening of joy and wonder.

This fall, the Basilica will host gatherings that invite people to process grief and to experience beauty together. On Nov. 12 we will host an event, “In the Aftermath of Tragedy: Dealing with Grief and Seeking Healing,” where we invite those who attend to process the grief they have experienced in the aftermath of these tragedies. And opening Oct. 31 is Luminiscence, an immersive show of light, music and architecture that lifts spirits and celebrates common values. It will be the first time the experience has come to North America.

As we grieve and seek healing, houses of worship can be a place where people come together to pray, to heal and to chart a collective course toward restoration.