On Wednesday, September 11th the Bishop Ahr community came together during homeroom to commemorate the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. Sister Cynthia delivered the following message to the BGA community:
"As we pray during homeroom, let us remind each other – adults and students - that as Christians, as Americans, we draw upon our faith to make this anniversary a time to remember, a time to deepen our commitment to discipleship, and a time to strengthen our active participation in efforts to build a more just and peaceful world. May we all truly become instruments of peace! "
Sister Cynthia led the prayer service which consisted of songs, prayers and a call to work for peace, justice and unity. Music was provided by Mr. Joseph Cullinan and members of the STA select chorus. Special mention was made of the three St. Thomas Aquinas Alumni who died in the attacks on 9/11/01 – Mark Carney ’78, Patrick Dunn ’80 and Colleen Meehan ’93.
A bell was tolled for each of the four planes involved in the attack as the members of the Student Council went to St. Thomas Aquinas Memorial Garden for the Ritual of Lighting. During the Ritual of Lighting, lite candles, an American Flag and a bouquet of flowers were placed at the foot of the preserved World Trade Center Beam in the STA Memorial Garden.
To end our prayer ritual, the reading that was used at the STA April 20, 2018 prayer ritual – National Walk out day after the shootings in Florida was read:
This world needs some peace, we know this to be true.
We need to work for love, is that something you will do?
Will you work for your beliefs? Will you fight and take a stand?
The world must act together, united hand in hand.
Violence has no place in a heart that’s filled with love
Remember that all lives are a gift from up above.
Cherish every moment as though it were your last
And work to change the world, regardless of the past.
Will you let yourself be changed? Will you open up your heart?
May God give each of us the courage to open up our hearts! Everyone was encouraged go to the Memorial Garden especially on this day to pray for peace.