By Kaitlyn Boisvert-
In light of the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Salve Regina University held a Memorial Vigil on Sunday, September 11, 2011. Following Sunday night mass in the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, a large crowd of students, faculty, and other attendees gathered outside the church, to wait for the procession from the chapel to the rose garden at Wakehurst. Student members of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) quietly distributed white candles to each of the attendees, which were to be lit and held to commemorate all the lives that were lost on the tragic day. It was not long before the Chapel’s lawn was filled with a large crowd of little orange lights, setting an atmosphere of hope and love.
Photo Credit: Kaitlyn Boisvert – Students walk towards Wakehurst holding candles in remembrance of 9/11.
At 7:45 p.m. Reverend Kris Maluski emerged from the Chapel and slowly led the crowd of attendees in a quiet and respectful procession towards the rose garden at Wakehurst. Wearing his white priestly robes, the Reverend devoted himself to the seriousness of his task, his face determined, as a procession of candle lights followed him in his midst. When he and his fellow peers arrived at the garden, his followers gathered within the vicinities of the garden, filling up the entire space. While they settled, Reverend Kris took a place upon the hill, overlooking the garden, with Anna Mae Mayer D Min; the Director of the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life, standing by his side.
After a long silence , Anna Mae Mayer proceeded with the opening prayer for the vigil. As she spoke, she eyed each of the attendees, expressing hope that God would help them all in committing themselves to non-violence, greater understanding, and peace. “We are aware of the fear and violence that continue to permeate our world since 9/11, and we are aware, in some measure, that fear and violence live within each of us.” She spoke to the audience before her, her words ringing with power and emotion: “On behalf of future generations, let us strive together to transform the violence of the past into acts of peace, mercy and justice.”
Following Mayer’s address, Reverend Kris then led the attendees into prayer, drawing upon Francis of Assisi’s words of “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” The emotional and optimistic prayer expressed hope for everyone in attendance to have the strength to overcome their adversaries and to have enough faith to strive for a better future. This message served as a great fit for the theme of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and its words clearly held an impact over all of those in attendance.
The remainder of the ceremony followed with a holy song led by Chris Gosselin, the Minister of Music and Social Justice. The song commemorated all those in the Salve community that lost a beloved one on 9/11, and it was followed by a speech given by Salve Regina University President, Sister Jane Gerety. Both segments of the vigil were performed poignantly, and further emphasized the hope for everyone to persevere over their hardships and have the faith to believe in the good in the world.
The event was clearly a success, with a large number of attendees in an event that had a great impact upon all of those present. When remarking on the turnout of the evening, Reverend Kris expressed satisfaction and gratitude for the outcome. “I am thrilled with how many students came,” he remarked. “The terrorist attacks occurred when most of the students were young, and as it was a very influential event in their lives, we were very glad we were given the chance to encourage them to aspire for peace and reconciliation in their lives, honoring the past while moving forward in the future.”
Heather Barbour, the Director of Student Activities said: “I was very pleased to see the Salve community come together for this event, and I, along with the members of CAB, enjoyed being a part of the planning process. The vigil was a solemn reminder that we were all touched by the tragedy of September 11th, 2001.”
Students who attended were also greatly impacted by both the poignant setting and theme of the vigil. Katharine McCaw, a Sophomore, stated, “The vigil was a beautiful way to remember those who were lost. Being in the presence of so many people who cared about the cause made me feel so united with everyone around me, and I am so glad that I chose to go.”
The vigil also deeply affected Taylor Tegtmeier, a Salve junior. Tegtmeier had attended the vigil with her co-Resident Advisor, Caitlin Hansen. The two girls had only known each other for two weeks, yet they were both brought closer together through the vigil’s touching mission. “I just find it so amazing that with something so tragic can come a sense of almost positivity,” Tegtmeier remarked. “It brought one night where my community away from home had taken an hour to come together in strength and hope.”
