Candles, Prayers and Penance

If one really wanted to help the victims of criminal violence, lighting candles will attract attention certainly.  But you must pray. Without prayers and penance, candle lighting is just a political act, a self-focused political act.   Pray to God, the Father, and to the Lord Jesus Christ, and all the Angels and Saints for the repose of the souls of all those affected by criminal violence, those suffering the pain of loss, those hospitalized  from injury and trauma.  And pray for the perpetrators of violence, that their hearts will change from violence and aggression to charity and love.  In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of  the Holy Spirit.  Amen