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The Quinnipiac Chronicle

The Student News Site of Quinnipiac University

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

The Student News Site of Quinnipiac University

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

    A night of prayer at Quinnipiac

    On Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. hundreds of students huddled together in the grasses of the Academic Quadrangle at Quinnipiac University. Friends, acquaintances, faculty, and staff united as one body in contemplation, reflection, and remembrance of the tragic plane crashes that horrified and stunned the nation.
    Many family members and friends suffered grave injuries and lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks that, most notably, demolished the towers of the World Trade Center and desecrated the Pentagon.
    Those who were not in mourning over the loss of a loved one were in mourning over the attack on the nation. For New Yorkers, a part of their city was destroyed. The two towers of the World Trade Center, each reflect pride and wonder, are now completely crumbled and will no longer be seen within the city’s glorious skyline.
    Likewise, the attack on the Pentagon not only affected those in the building, but it affected Americans, everywhere, who were shocked and enraged by the violent cowardice that worked its way into Washington- the heart of the nation.
    The prayer vigil, sponsored by Christian Fellowship and the Student Government. It provided a sense of comfort and support for both the faculty and the student body.
    Reverend Vernon Thompson, Reverend Louis Evangelisto, and Rabbi Steven Steinberg, each presented prayers.
    Sean Deland and John Hirbour provided reflective music. The National Anthem was also performed as a means of invoking pride, courage and comfort among the Quinnipiac community.
    Eric Marrapodi consoled his peers by sharing his own personal thoughts about the tragedy. During his reflection, Marrapodi said, “Now is our time to build each other up,” and Quinnipiac students did just that.
    Tears had fallen, friends were embraced, and hands were held throughout the vigil.
    John Rian, a senior, said, “It’s a shame that it takes something this tragic to bring the school together.” He went on to say that, “When you see a group come together like this, you can’t help but believe that your own strength is only made stronger by the group.”
    Other students were very moved by the prayer service as well. Both Meghan Shannon, a senior, and Shannon O’Leary, a sophomore, said, “We really were genuinely surprised at the turnout.”
    The prayer vigil proved to be extremely affective in terms of providing comfort and displaying concern for fellow Americans. It is in times such as these, when the community of Quinnipiac University pulls together and unites just as it does through its academics, athletics and student organizations.
    May God bless and protect all of our students, staff, and loved ones.

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