St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, New Hope, blessed a display of t-shirts yesterday at its two services. The 50 articles of clothing, each displayed on wooden slats, bear the name of one of many Bucks County gun victims. A staff report in the Bucks County Herald provided details.

The “Memorial to the Lost” display was placed to coincide with a faith-based movement, based on the Main Line, to end gun violence. The t-shirts — blessed at Mass yesterday— will remain onsite until October 9.

Church organizers timed the installation for the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, the patron of police. Its exit occurs on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of peacemakers.

The church said it hopes to use its tradition to address a current issue within the nation.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the violence and death caused by guns,” said the Rev. Michael Ruk, priest at St. Philip’s Church. “We need to mourn those who have died, but we also must change the violent world in which we live.”

It is the hope this memorial will be a physical reminder of the those lost, but also allow the space for a place of meditation and peace. Visitors are to feel free to enjoy the gardens and labyrinth on the church grounds.

More on this memorial to Bucks County gun victims is at the Bucks County Herald.