Wellesley College Hosts Boston Marathon Vigil

Wellesley College went from screamed support to silent reflection on the Boston Marathon yesterday afternoon. The college hosted an interfaith vigil on campus to reflect on the bombing that shook Patriot's Day. 

Student members of Wellesley College's Multifaith Council shared reflections and thoughts from their traditions to the assembly at the vigil (see video), before lighting candles for the Boston Marathon explosion.

Five candles were lit: one with a wish for healing the injured--be it in mind or spirit; one for remembrance of the dead; one for strength for the emergency responders, police, and runners who leapt into action; one for renewal of the physical spaces and the sense of safety; the final for cooperation, between Boston, the rest of the Commonwealth, and other communities who have offered supplies and support.

In addition to the students, other members of the college's Religious Life team added their reflection.

Victor Kazanjian, Dean, said that acts of terror are designed to isolate and enclose, to cause divisions in a group. 

"What you are doing is coming together," he said to those present for the vigil.

The program included text for a poem Kim Bottomly, College President adapted from Naomi King's "Open Our Hearts with Love."

The program ended with Associate Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life sending the students forward, encouraging them to "go forth from this place holding one another. Go forth in peace."

On Marathon day, the college hosted its tradition of the . There are reports from runners who say they can hear the cheers from a mile away.

The College's religious life team is available to support students. To reach the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, call 781 283-2685.