By Regina Stracqalursi '15
Darkness turned to light Monday night as members of the Siena College community gathered at the Grotto for a candlelight vigil to honor the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, France.
Student Senator Ryan Kelleher ’18 proposed the idea for the candlelight ceremony to his fellow members of the Senate as a way to show respect for those who died and to support Siena students with ties to France.
“It shows that the student body is aware of what is going on in the world, and that Siena will stand with our international students in times like this, and reflect on the ideals that were attacked,” said Kelleher.
Siena College Chaplain Fr. Larry Anderson, O.F.M. helped the students organize the vigil.
“It is important as people of faith to come together in solidarity to pray for an end of violence in all its forms. Siena's mission is deeply rooted in the Franciscan call to bring light where there is darkness and hope where there is despair,” said Anderson. “This is a small way where the Siena community can offer ourselves as instruments of peace.”
During the ceremony, Anderson led the members of the community in prayer. Student leaders and members of the Siena administration each read a line from a prayer called, “Decalogue of Assisi for Peace.”
After a moment of silence, students and faculty recited “The Prayer of St. Francis” in unison before quietly departing from the Grotto.
Several French-born students and students who have studied abroad in France participated in the vigil. They expressed gratitude for the support they are receiving from the Siena community during this difficult time.
As a French student who is currently studying abroad for one year at Siena College, Sofian Belhadj ’15 said it’s difficult to be far away from home in the wake of such a tragic event.
“I am not in France for one of the biggest events that has happened since 2000 on our soil,” said Belhadj. “I feel frustrated about not being with my family and friends who express themselves for freedom of speech and against acts of violence.”
Ann Ward ’15 studied abroad in Paris and has felt the tragic events on a personal level.
“This vigil was a beautiful way to unite as a community and show a sense of solidarity and commitment to a world where we work together to put an end to acts of terror,” Ward said.
She added that the vigil was a positive reminder to the College community that every individual has the power to change the world by coming together to support justice and peace.
It was a message that was spread to the Capital Region community as well.
Siena’s candlelight vigil was covered by several news outlets, including the Times Union, News 10 ABC and News Channel 13.
