Dozens of people gathered Tuesday in the Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavilion to remember victims, their families and the heroes of the devastating attack one day earlier.
About 60 students, faculty and staff gathered in the Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavilion, some holding hands, others with their arms wrapped around the shoulders of friends. Led by staff in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, the service featured prayers and remarks that concluded with participants each lighting votive candles to honor those affected by the bombings.
“Let us hold patiently to the hope that good is going to win over evil,” said Elon University Chaplain Jan Fuller. “Be sure that God is here with us, in this place, and in our hearts that cry out for mercy and grace.”
Campus spiritual leaders led short discussions with students about the attacks and why they may seem as personal as they do. Only a handful of hands were raised when asked who had run a marathon; many more shot up when asked if they knew someone who had.
Nine percent of the Elon University student body hails from Massachusetts, second only to North Carolina among the list of states represented in campus enrollment figures.
Students who wish to talk more with Truitt Center staff can call (336) 278-7729. Counseling services are also available through the R.N. Ellington Health & Counseling Center by calling (336) 278-7280 during normal business hours.