The loss of a loved one is always a calamity, but the sudden death, particularly of a child or a young person is particularly tragic. It is natural to agonize over why and how this dreadful event occurred. We search for meaning in what appears to be meaningless.

Yesterday such a tragedy befell the family of Carlos and Rosa Barrientos, when their 22 year old daughter Gladys died instantly in a collision apparently caused by a driver fleeing from the police. Gladys was a very involved young Catholic woman, who was on the way home from a Bible Study when she was killed. Carlos and Rosa are both on the staff of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church.

One cannot but think of the unrealized potential of a young person snatched away by death. Why, we ask, was this tragedy visited upon us; upon our family? We seek answers where there are none. We are left with an emptiness that cannot be filled. Only our faith in Jesus Christ and in His Resurrection sustains us in the presence of innocent suffering. We know that is what is sustaining Carlos and Rosa and their family in this time of such great sadness and distress.

We share with them their deep sadness. Let us come together as a Catholic community to offer prayers and support.