Text Size
  • A
  • A
  • A
Share

Faithful Laurentians Hold Vigil Outside St. Laurentius Church For Orlando Victims


 “We usually gather here to pray for them to open the doors, but today we put that aside to pray for the victims, the survivors, the families and friends and first responders of Orlando,” local resident Venise Whitacker says while standing next to St. Laurentius Church in Fishtown.

St. Laurentius Orlando Vigil

/Megan Matuzak

  In the early hours of June 12th, Omar Mir Seddique Mateen opened fire on unsuspecting patrons of Pulse Nightclub. After Mateen was taken down by police,  49 people were confirmed dead and 53 were reportedly injured. It was the largest mass shooting in America to date.

St. Laurentius Orlando Vigil

/Megan Matuzak

  This past Sunday, six locals huddled in the shade next to the fence surrounding St. Laurentius to light candles and pray. “Even though this happened a week ago we still wanted to do something. No one is here because the buzz is over and that is sad,” Whitacker said.

St. Laurentius Orlando Vigil

/Megan Matuzak

  Whitacker started the vigil by reading the names of all the victims. The group then read and recited from a booklet titled, “Prayers to St. Michael.”  The prayers called on Michael the Archangel to guide and protect: “…to you the Lord has entrusted the souls of the redeemed to be led into heaven.”

St. Laurentius Orlando Vigil

/Megan Matuzak

   A fitting line in light of such tragedy.

The Spirit | Hyperlocal done differently
Advertise Now

Related News