Grieving a Life Lost, Recommitting to Peace

The Felician Sisters pray for justice, peace and healing.

The Felician Sisters mourn the tragic loss of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a devoted healthcare worker, compassionate caregiver and beloved son, brother, colleague and friend. His life was devoted to the well-being of others, and his sudden, violent death in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, deeply grieves us all.

We affirm the sacred dignity of every person — made in the image and likeness of God — and join countless others in lamenting the loss of a life dedicated to service and care. In this moment of profound sorrow, we extend our heartfelt prayers for healing and comfort to Alex’s family, friends, coworkers and all who mourn his passing.

As followers of Jesus, who lived a life of nonviolence, compassion and peace, we are called to witness to those values especially in times of conflict and suffering. The circumstances surrounding Alex’s death — including questions about the use of force and the protection of human life — weigh heavily on our hearts and consciences.

We stand in solidarity with all those seeking truth, accountability and justice, trusting that only through honest dialogue, transparent investigation and a genuine commitment to peace can healing begin. We pray that all persons of faith and good will work to build systems and relationships rooted in justice, nonviolence and respect for the dignity of every human being.

Rooted in Our Felician Core Values:
In this moment of sorrow, we are drawn again to the values that shape our life and mission as Felician Sisters. Our reverence for the dignity of every human person compels us to grieve Alex’s death and to honor the sacredness of his life. Compassion moves us to stand with all who mourn, offering prayer, presence and hope amid deep pain. Our commitment to justice and peace urges us to seek truth, accountability and nonviolent ways of addressing conflict, so that life may be protected and honored. Transformation calls us to ongoing conversion — personally, communally and societally — toward a world where peace is possible. In solidarity, we stand with families and communities wounded by violence, especially those most vulnerable, trusting that God’s healing work continues even in moments of profound loss.

May Alex’s memory inspire us to redouble our efforts for peace, compassion, and justice in our communities and in the world.

One comment

  1. Very inspiring piece. I have continuously prayed for the repose of the beautiful soul of Alex Jeffery Pretti and the consolation of his family. What happened to him should never happen again in such a great nation like America. Thank you to people like you, the Felician Sisters who have in many ways expressed great love and concern to what happened. Stay forever blessed. The world is proud of you.

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Serving where needed since 1874

Founded in Poland in 1855, the Felician Sisters are a congregation of women religious inspired by the spiritual ideals of their foundress, Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, and Saints Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi and Felix of Cantalice. Arriving in North America in 1874 following Blessed Mary Angela’s directive “to serve where needed,” they helped to weave the social service system. Today, the Felician Sisters founded, sponsor or support through the presence of our sisters, more than 40 ministries – all continuing to evolve to meet the needs of the people they serve.

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  • Felician Sisters of North America is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
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Felician Sisters of North America