On Tuesday afternoon, Father Steve Gemme and his staff at St. Bernadette's Parish got together to decide how to respond to the tragedy at the Boston Marathon. They quickly came to the conclusion that it would be a good idea to offer its congregation, and anyone else who wanted to join them, a place to be together, pray and find solace in dealing with the horrific events at the Boston Marathon.
More than 100 people attended the church on Tuesday evening for a prayer service that included a silent prayer, rosary, hail Marys, meditation songs and a moving service given by Fr. Gemme.
"Governor Patrick said it well, characterizing this as an act of cowardice," began Gemme. "We have been watching TV and reports of this, and it's information overload. If you are sitting at home watching, it brings back memories of Sept. 11, 2001."
Gale Daniels, who attended the service with her daughter Alyssa Daniels, who attends eighth grade at St. Bernadette's school, said they were there in an effort to find peace with what happened.
"This is a really special church," said Daniels. "Father Gemme is really involved in the community."
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In so many ways, Gemme said, the reaction has been similar to after 9/11. People have called him for guidance, and many have questioned their faith, feeling powerless.
"The key is doing what we are doing right now," he said. "I look at Boston yesterday, and there was hunger, and thirst and fear."
In the heart of the thirst and fear, he said, there was hope and love.
"A friend of mine had asked me, 'Well, where was God?" he said. "And another friend answered that. There were people in Boston who were just there watching the race, and when they saw what took place, they ran into the fire and they ran to help. They were running toward people who needed help. God was in their hearts. People who had just run 26 miles proceeded to give blood, or get wheelchairs. They gave without thinking about themselves. I think we would all do the same."
"This brings a little peace to all of us," said Daniels, "and we can be thankful for what we have."