To strengthen our commitment to
be people of hope and peace, the Bishop Ahr High School community
gathered together on Sunday September 11th at 2 p.m. and Monday
September 12th during homeroom to commemorate the tragic events of
September 11th, 2001.
Approximately thirty
people gathered at the Bishop Ahr Memorial Garden on Sunday, Sept 11th
for the Memorial Prayer Service. Those attending were reminded that as
Christians, as Americans, we need to draw upon our faith to make this
anniversary a time to remember, a time to deepen our commitment to
discipleship, and a time to strengthen our active participation in
efforts to build a more just and peaceful world.
Each
prayer service was led by Father Keith Cervine, Sister Cynthia Marie
and Deacon Rich Lutomski. The service consisted of songs, prayers and a
call to work for peace, justice and unity. During the service, the
groups prayed that they might respond boldly to the Holy Spirit’s call
to act together to end violence and racism.
At
Sunday’s service, an American Flag was presented to Sister Donna by
Master Sergeant Gary Pacciano of the United States Army. Music was
provided by Mr. TJ Reilly. Senior Courtney McQuade played a reflective
“Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes. Taking part in the ritual of lighting
was Mr. Nicholas Tonzola, moderator of the In Harms Way Club, current
members and alumni of the BGA In Harms Way Club, Nick Tonzola Jr., and
Sister Cynthia’s family members.
On September
12th, members of the Student Council participated in the Ritual of
Lighting. Music was provided by Mr. Joseph Cullinan and members of the
BGA chorus. Senior Courtney McQuade played a reflective “Amazing Grace”
on the bagpipes.
At both services, special
mention was made of the three St. Thomas Aquinas/Bishop Ahr Alumni who
died in the attacks on 9/11/01 – Mark Carney ’78, Patrick Dunn ’80 and
Colleen Meehan ’93. A bell was rung for each of the four places that
were attacked on September 11th.
The plaque
at the base of the WTC beam is engraved with the following words: On
the morning of September 11, 2001 more than 3,000 people from over 50
nations were killed in the terrorist attacks on the WTC in NYC, the
Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. The beam before you was one of many that
supported the Twin Towers at the WTC in NYC. The structure was
destroyed but not the spirit it represented. Today we stand before this
beam, we stand tall, we stand proud, and we will always stand one
nation under God.
Article by Sr. Cynthia Babyak