Hundreds Gather For Special Mass In Philadelphia Honoring Victims Of Orlando Massacre
By Trang Do and Andrew Kramer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Several hundred people gathered for a special Sunday evening mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to pray for the Orlando shooting victims and their families.
Forty-nine candles alongside 49 roses lined the altar, in memory of the 49 people killed inside Pulse nightclub.
The tragedy hit very close to home with local teen Akyra Murray among the victims.
"This was about people whose lives were senselessly taken, so that's the main concern here and that was the reason why we would immediately want to have the Eucharist to celebrate and offer for them, pray for them," said Rev. Dennis Gill, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica.
Many in attendance were visiting from out of town.
"We actually were praying for them every night with my family and we are going to continue to and we are blessed to be here," said Nancy Zapien of Los Angeles.
Regular parishioners said the service was a bit different than usual.
"It was a little bit more spiritual and forgiving, asking us to be more forgiving," said Linda Lespinasse of Yeadon. "It was more caring and just stop with the hate and just love one another. We're all one. No matter what color, race, gender, we are all one."
"It's very sorrowful and we all care about them and our hearts go out to them," said Greg Benner of Las Vegas.
Rev. Gill said other churches in the archdiocese held similar masses Sunday to offer prayers and comfort to the victims and their families.
Phil Farber gathered at the service to pray for the victims.
"Forgiveness, divine mercy, thoughts and prayers. Lots of prayer for the intentions of the victims," Farber said.
Debbie Digiacobbe came in from South Jersey.
"I'm here basically just to come together and pray for the people that have lost their lives."
She said she felt she had to do something.
"I feel like we're so far away and all we can do is pray," she said. "It's just really sad. I just felt compelled to be here together as one community."
She says she'd like to see more services like this one.
