The North End community came together in a candlelight vigil on Saturday evening to remember the 26 Sandy Hook shooting victims that lost their lives in Newtown, CT on December 14, 2012. Coordinated by North End Against Drugs (NEAD), the vigil included many groups from the neighborhood and was held at the Nazzaro Center playground on January 5, 2013.
Prayers and benedictions were offered by leaders from the North End religious community, including Fr. Patrick Universal of St. Stephen’s Church, Rev. Stephen Ayres, Vicar of Old North Church and Fr. Claude Scrima of St. Leonard Church.
A musical tribute was presented by student performers at the vigil from the North End Music and Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC), featuring Nina Finocchiaro, Kristina Riccio, Alise and Chris Romano under the instruction of NEMPAC’s Sherri Snow and Jeremy Sarzana.
The North Bennet Street School crafted 26 wooden angels that were hung from the tree in the Nazzaro Center playground. Carnations were distributed and later thrown into the tree area. 26 balloons were released by North End children as part of the ceremony. The family of Raymie & Jamie Parker made special posters for vigil.
NEAD President John Romano led the vigil for the dozens that participated on Saturday night. Journal books were also set-up and many wrote down their thoughts and condolences. The journals will be delivered to Sandy Hook Elementary School by members, Rosann Matarazzo Romano and Rosina Fabbo.
State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-North End) attended the event as did Eliot School Principal Traci Walker Griffith.
Organizer Rosina Fabbo and NEAD are very appreciative of contributions by neighborhood businesses, including carnations by 1-800-Flowers on Hanover Street and hot chocolate from the Atlantic Ave. Starbucks. The tree lights and hanging angels were installed by the Dello Russo Contractors. The lights were contributed by City of Boston Special Events. Balloons were donated by Vinny Bono and thanks were given to Laurie D’Elia for help from the Nazzaro Center.
Photos by Matt Conti. Download photos and order prints here.
Thank you Rosina, Rosanne, JR, and Laurie for being instrumental in organizing this wonderful and moving tribute to those little angels. It was very poignant for all those in attendance. The singing and prayers were surely heard in Heaven. God bless the innocents!
marge S