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Prayer vigils were held across Connecticut and around the country this weekend for the victims of Friday’s massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown.
Bells on the New Haven green tolled 27 times for each of those who died.
Several hundred people gathered Saturday evening for a candlelight vigil. They stood near the flagpole on the New Haven green, a few steps away from the glow of the city’s Christmas tree.
"I’m the Reverend John Gage. I’m the pastor of United Church on the Green just here. We come out tonight because this night is not silent. Our hearts are not calm. And all is not bright, even in the shadow of all the lights around us."
It was an interfaith vigil. Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders all spoke.
Yale University Chaplain Sharon Kugler read from a prayer written by another clergy member, just hours after the shooting.
"Soothe the children who witnessed things no child should see. The teachers who tried to protect them, but couldn’t. The parents who are torn apart with grief, who will never kiss their beloveds again."
Rabbi Herb Brockman of Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden said such tragedy must not go unanswered.
"The violence in our community must in the end be brought to an end. For no amount of pressure must aver us from what the president referred to as meaningful action. How many times must innocents die? "
And as people gathered close, they sang together.
For WNPR, I’m Diane Orson.
