Loyola’s students come from all across this world. When in times of crisis, it is important to stand with our fellow students, united in our choice of education and in our values.

When the bombs went off at the Boston Marathon, people were injured, hurt, and killed. But a great host of people rose up to give blood and help those who’d been wounded in the attack. As members of a Loyola community, we have an obligation to do no less.

There are 87 students from Massachusetts at Loyola right now, and many faculty and staff (both past and present) and alumni may also have ties there. Our branches spread far and wide across the nation and the world, and now some of those branches have suffered injuries – if not of the body, than of the spirit.

We do not know the reason yet behind the bombings. We do know who the culprit or culprits were and why they chose to attack. Things remain shrouded, confused, and threatening.

The people of Boston stand in pain. But they do not stand alone. The people of this country stand with their fellow Americans. The people of New Orleans, no strangers to tragedy, stand with those suffering. And the people Loyola stand with their brothers and sisters, united by Jesuit ideals that have universal appeal, committed to serving our fellow man and looking forward into the future with a contemplative vision shaped by hope. Tragedy is very real, but it can be overcome and used to spur a people on to greater heights. If there is any city that attests to this fact, it is New Orleans.

So take action. Comfort those who are in need of comforting. Help those you are able to help. To those members of our community with roots in Massachusetts, extend always the courtesy, respect, and care that our fellow men, citizens, and members of the Loyola community deserve.

Stand with Boston, Loyola. However you are able.