The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Over 900 students, faculty, and staff gathered to hear these words of comfort Tuesday night at a vigil in St. Ignatius Church. Honoring the memories of those who lost their lives at the Virginia Tech shooting Monday morning, members of the Boston College community offered comfort and support.
BC joined other schools in the Atlantic Coast Conference in holding the vigil, which was organized by the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) and Campus Ministry. Under the leadership of Santi Bunce, UGBC president and A&S '07, and Justin Nunez, UGBC vice president and CSOM '07, several students participated in the memorial, voicing their thoughts and prayers.
"[The incident] has caused us to reflect on society and share in prayer, reflection, song, and silence," said Bunce.
The Rev. Donald MacMillan, S.J., also spoke, leading students in the opening prayer. "It always amazes me how an event such as this or other major events of tragedy pull the BC community together," he said after the vigil. "The response is so beautiful; it's the heart and soul of BC when we gather like this."
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Student musicians of BC's Liturgy Arts Group led those gathered in song, and student speakers guided the community through moments of keen reflection.
"It is important to acknowledge the appropriateness and necessity for understanding that there is love and support," said Jeremy Marks, A&S '09, in his remarks at the vigil. "In solidarity, we love and support."
Bunce and Nunez read 22 of the 33 names during the candlelight ceremony portion of the evening. "It's very uplifting for me personally," said Bunce, "especially with what happened on this campus first semester, and given the rivalries we have with Virginia Tech on the football field. We can set that stuff aside and see a more human, genuine side."
The vigil was a "reinvestment of faith in people," said Bunce. "I can pass on to others that kids here on campus care and are aware. We can give comfort, support, and grieve at the same time. It's refreshing and empowering."
MacMillan also noticed a distinctive change in the mood of the student body following the incident. "The atmosphere here is subdued," he said. "That people are moved enough to respond to a school so far away shows that we really are a small community. People have friends there - we need to stand in solidarity with the other students."
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Students who attended the vigil let their actions replace words, quietly hugging each other before and after the memorial service.
"It is nice to see the entire church filled," said Evan Henderson, A&S '08. "It is such an outpouring of community - that people care around the nation. Even though we are their opponents [in athletics], people can still show support."
"It speaks volumes of the goodness, holiness, and wholesomeness of people," added MacMillan. Marks said that while he sometimes questions memorial services, Tuesday's vigil provided a fitting opportunity for hope and comfort.
"I struggle with the nature of prayer," he said after the vigil. "But this is an occasion where prayer works."
"It is heartwarming to see BC students come together around an issue that is such a tragedy," said Nunez. "You can feel the love."
The vigil was the largest of the memorial services held on campus since the shooting happened drawing the attention of at least four local media outlets.
Campus Ministry also held an ecumenical service at noon Tuesday and a Mass in St. Mary's that evening. Other organizations on campus have also arranged their own vigils and prayer groups.
Students exiting Tuesday's vigil signed one of two banners to be sent to the Virginia Tech community today, communicating a connectedness between the two campuses.
"It is sad that it takes times like these to bring us together," said Bunce, "but when they happen, it is good that we can. It's a natural and comfortable thing to do."
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. n
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