I am truly saddened by the recent death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford. The diocesan community and I have prayed for the repose of his soul, for the consolation of his family, and for all those affected by the tragic and confusing circumstances of his death, including the law enforcement officers involved. Following Mr. Durán Guerrero’s death, I have received different requests concerning how I should respond. These requests and reactions have led me to reflect on a deeper issue: our society’s increasingly fragmented understanding of the dignity of the human person. At this moment in our history, I feel that Maine must undertake a serious examination of its collective conscience. We must also recognize that radical secularism, by removing God and the transcendent dimension of the human person from our public conversation about human dignity, threatens our common well-being. We need not surrender to division, indifference, or despair. Despite our societal problems, conversion of heart remains both possible and necessary if we are to recover a more consistent and humane respect for every human life.

Dear Faithful of the Diocese of Portland, I am writing today to share an update on an important matter affecting our diocesan community. While this situation involves legal developments, it also involves deep personal pain.

Message from Bishop Ruggieri on the Nation's 250th Anniversary