St. Peter Claver in St. Paul will livestream a prayer service 7 p.m. May 29 for peace and justice in the world, following the death of George Floyd and the rioting in Minneapolis and St. Paul that has followed.
St. Peter Claver, which has historically served African Americans, is located in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, in a part of St. Paul where protestors looted and damaged property May 28 and overnight into May 29.
In a video posted the morning of May 29, Father Erich Rutten, St. Peter Claver’s pastor, said he was OK.
“It was a crazy night, with lots going on around here,” he said. “Just feeling very badly for our community, for so much pain, and hoping we can find ways for healing, reconciliation and peace. I know that won’t be easy.”
The prayer service will be streamed from St. Peter Claver’s Facebook page.
In addition, Archbishop Bernard Hebda is inviting Catholics to pray between 8-9 p.m., after St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter called May 29 for people of all faiths to pray at home during that hour. Archbishop Hebda also asked people to share photos of their family praying via social media. Archbishop Hebda and Bishop Andrew Cozzens plan to livestream prayer from the Cathedral of St. Paul beginning at 8 p.m.
On Twitter, Archbishop Hebda posted: “Mayor Carter has requested that we blanket our city with prayer this evening from 8:00-9:00. Join us and share photos of you praying, using #stpfaithleadersforjustice.”
The night of May 28 was the third night of rioting in the Twin Cities following Floyd’s death during an arrest in Minneapolis May 25. Video captured of the arrest shows a police officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he repeatedly says he cannot breathe. He was later pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center.
According to a list at bringmethenews.com, more than 120 buildings have been damaged, and some, including the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, have been destroyed by fire.
