Central Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
And Jesus Wept
John 11
On April 19, 1995 at 9:02 a.m., a bomb exploded just a few hundred feet east of here. In that instant and the ensuing calamity, 168 people were known to be killed. Devastation covered this area. The parish house which stood on this corner was demolished and Saint Joseph Old Cathedral was severely damaged.
In the Sacred Scriptures Jesus is seen as weeping over Jerusalem, soon to be destroyed. He wept for those whose lives would be lost. In the shortest verse of the Bible, Jesus weeps over the death of His friend Lazarus. Here we depict that same Jesus weeping and turning away from the bombing destruction. He stands facing the niches in our granite wall that represent each of the victims of the bombing.
Yes, the watchful eye of God is always on His People. The compassion of Christ is always waiting for His people. These were His people who died in the bombing but now can live in Him Who said, "I am the Resurrection. I am the Life. Whoever believes in Me, even if he die, will live forever." We believe in Jesus and trust that His merciful love has brought our brothers and sisters, victims of this tragedy, to life everlasting.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Dedicated April 19, 1999
Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran
Archbishop of Oklahoma City
Reverend Louis J. Lamb
Pastor of Saint Joseph Old Cathedral
Erected 1999 by Roman Catholic Diocese of Oklahoma City.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Disasters • Government & Politics. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1853.
Location. 35° 28.371′ N, 97° 31.079′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Central Oklahoma City. Marker is at the intersection of Harvey Avenue and NW 5th Street, on the right when traveling south on Harvey Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 307 NW 4th Street, Oklahoma City OK 73102, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Field of Empty Chairs (within shouting distance of this marker); Building Occupants (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); South Entry (about 300 feet away); Rescuer Orchard (about 300 feet away); Team Effort (about 300 feet away); Journal Record Building South Wall (about 300 feet away); Children's Area (about 400 feet away); The Playground (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.
More about this marker. The marker text on polished black marble is impossible to photograph on a sunny day.
Also see . . .
1. Saint Joseph Old Cathedral, OKC. Cathedral website homepage (Submitted on October 15, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Museum website homepage (Submitted on October 15, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,939 times since then and 297 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 15, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.