Recent events in Minneapolis have led to a joint statement from Catholic Health, CWA District 1, and 1199 SEIU following the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. Pretti was killed during a confrontation with federal officers, which has caused significant grief within the nursing community.
In their statement, the organizations expressed solidarity with nurses across the country. They said, “Pretti’s life was devoted to serving patients and supporting his community, and his loss is felt profoundly by colleagues, families, and all those who value compassionate care. In this moment of pain and loss, we stand together with nurses everywhere—embracing our shared commitment to the health, dignity, and wellbeing of every person.”
The statement included a prayer for peace: “For those hurt by violence—for families who have lost loved ones and for all who suffer physical injury—Loving God, be for them a steady comfort, a source of healing, and a safe resting place. We pray,
God of Peace, send us your Spirit.
For those who have died because of violence, may they be welcomed by choirs of angels and experience your eternal peace and joy.
For those who seek to harm others, Loving God, soften their hearts and steady their minds. May hate be replaced with love, violence with peace, and darkness with your light. We pray,
God of Peace, send us your Spirit.
Let us be witnesses to your goodness, that we may be witnesses to peace in our daily interactions and advocates for peace in our world.”
The joint statement was signed by Joyce Markiewicz (President & CEO of Catholic Health), Debora Hayes (Area Director of CWA District 1), and James Scordato (Vice President of 1199 SEIU).
