Knights of Columbus to Hold Second Annual 9/11 Vigil at Holy Cross

In remembrance of the events eight years ago on Sept. 11, an interfaith candlelight prayer vigil will be held at Holy Cross’ Memorial Plaza on Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. The program is open to the public.

This is the second annual vigil sponsored by the College’s Crusader Council Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal service organization, and the Daughters of Isabella, a Catholic organization of women. The half-hour vigil will include a candle lighting ceremony, a moment of silence, and a performance of “America the Beautiful” by the campus a capella group, the Delilahs. Paul Covino, associate chaplain and director of liturgy at the College, will preside.

The Crusader Council Knights of Columbus is currently celebrating its 80th year on campus. Crusader Council has 354 members, 64 of whom are current students on campus. It is the College’s only fraternal organization, and the second oldest College activity (behind the liturgical ministers).

Last year’s memorial was attended by more than 300 students, faculty, and Worcester residents. According to Matt Fonte ’11, the Grand Knight of the Crusader Council, the organization chose to initiate the annual event because, “Last year our Past Grand Knight, Ray Provo ’09, saw an opportunity for our community to come together and find strength while remembering all of those who lost their lives in the attack.”

Other observances on campus include 12:05 and 10 p.m. Masses on Sept. 11 and a remembrance shrine in the Lower Chapel Gathering/Baptismal Space throughout that day, where members of the College community can light candles in memory of those who died on Sept. 11 eight years ago.

By Elizabeth Rodgers ’11

Pictured: A bronze plaque at Memorial Plaza outside Smith Hall bears the names of seven alumni who were killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. They are: Edward A. Brennan III ’86; Thomas D. Burke ’85; Neilie A. Heffernan Casey ’90; John G. Farrell ’91; Todd A. Isaac ’94; Beth A. Quigley ’97; and John J. Ryan ’78.