Prayers for Boston

By Claire Cummings

The Boston Marathon has been a test of endurance since 1897. This year’s run required a different kind of strength. On April 15, the bombings surrounding the Boston Marathon affected not only citizens of Boston but the world. At 5:38 p.m. Loyola’s President, Father Linnane, S.J., released an email stating, “Wherever you are, I encourage you to be a source of support for one another in this difficult time.”

Loyola community gathers at 9/11 Memorial Garden for Boston prayer vigil

This support was expressed across campus and included a prayer service at 9 p.m. Led by Campus Ministry and Student Government Association, Loyola students, faculty, and staff gathered together in the Alumni Memorial Chapel on that sorrowful April night. “Gathering together as a school,” junior campus ministry intern Caroline Mills noted, “provides us with a sense of love, camaraderie, and strength that is impossible to find on our own.”

The prayer service began in the chapel as candles were lit and intentions were read. Participants then walked to the 9/11 Memorial Garden as they continued to pray for Boston. Kerry Rogers, junior from New Jersey, reflected on the importance of intentional support. “It is so important to have those vigils and solidarity when tragedies happen,” said Kerry, “but it is so important to keep that mentality all the time.”

Lindsey Murphy, BC ’14, smiles with the banner signed by triplet sister, Casey Murphy, LU ’14

The cooperative mentality continued throughout the week. Loyola reached out to fellow Jesuit school, Boston College, by signing and mailing a banner up to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Loyola’s Casey Murphy is a triplet whose sister attends Boston College. Casey proudly signed the banner. “Talking to my sister in the days after it happened,” Casey said, “it felt like she lost the spirit she’s always had.” The banner was displayed in an atrium in Boston College. Casey’s signature and words of encouragement were seen by her triplet. “Personally connecting my school to her school really meant a lot,” she explained.

With Hurricane Sandy, Newtown shootings, and most recently, the Boston tragedies, Loyola found solace in the campus community. “One of the Jesuit ideals is finding God in all things,” said Caroline Mills. “What better way to do that than finding love and compassion in our peers when senseless acts of violence occur?”