North End Societies Host Neighborhood Candlelight Vigil & Procession

The North End Societies, known worldwide for the famous summer feasts and religious processions, joined together on Sunday for a solemn walk and vigil in remembrance and prayer for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings and its aftermath. The candlelight vigil, sing-a-long and procession started on Endicott Street at the St. Anthony’s Club with hundreds from the community taking part in the ceremony that concluded on the Prado, also known as the Paul Revere Mall, on Hanover Street.

Long representing the freedom we celebrate on Patriot’s Day, the famous Cyrus Dallin equestrian statue of the North End’s most famous resident, Paul Revere, was surrounded by 181 candles, each representing one of the Boston Marathon victims that died or were injured in the tragedy of April 15, 2013.

Especially emotional were prayers for one of our own, North Ender Roseann Sdoia, who lost a leg in the bombings. A “North End Strong” poster was signed by everyone and will be sent to Roseann during her recovery.

The North End Societies include: Santa Maria Di Anzano Society, Madonna delle Grazie Society, St. Rocco Society, St. Joseph’s Society, St. Agrippina di Mineo Society, Madonna Della Cava Society, Madonna Del Soccorso di Sciacca Society (Fisherman’s Feast), St. Anthony’s Society, St. Lucy’s Society and Santa Rosalia di Palermo Society.

Leaders of the North End Societies and local officials in attendance focused on the strength of the City of Boston and the neighborhood.  They offered prayers for the victims and thanked our law enforcement officers for their admirable work. Most of all, those at the vigil wanted to the spread the word that the “North End Remembers” and is “Boston Strong.”