Latest update January 18th, 2025 7:00 AM
Forty years later…
DEAR EDITOR,
I was there. I sat opposite Father Darke in the staff-room at St. Stanislaus College 40 years ago. We were at our desks marking papers, when we heard sounds in the street. We looked out. He, lover of photography, picked up his famous camera and went out to see what was going on and to take pictures. I never saw him alive again. He was fatally stabbed. His crime? Doing what he loved. Taking pictures! What a shame! What a senseless killing!
Forty years later, I can hardly look at the picture of a beautiful young student, Arianna Latchman, gunned down in the prime of life, along with her father, in another senseless killing. Her crime? Being in her own home.
Forty years later, we seem not to have learnt the value of life. We can’t give it and yet we wantonly take it away! We need to get back to basics – the fear of God, sound family values, respect for our neighbour regardless of status, race, or religious persuasion. We must allow nothing or no-one to divide us! Let us continue along the road of community and co-operation and refuse to entertain the thought of “civil strife”.
Forty years later, our Nation stands at the crossroads of a momentous opportunity. Will we demonstrate maturity and good sense or contentiousness and foolish pride? Let’s pray for the leadership of this country – Government and Opposition alike – that they be guided by the fear of God and desire for the well-being of our families, and by extension, the well-being of the Nation, as they make decisions that will impact us and our children for years to come.
Claudia Heywood
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