Mass held in Center City for Las Vegas victims

Annie McCormick Image
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Mass held in Center City for Las Vegas victims
Mass held in Center City for Las Vegas victims. Annie McCormick reports during Action News at 11 p.m on October 7, 2017.

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Inside The Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on Saturday night, the victims of the Las Vegas massacre remained on the parishioners' minds.

Fifty-eight candles lined the front of the church.

"We're going to remember in a special way those 58 people who have died, and all those who have been injured, and all of us who have in some way been affected by this tragedy," Basilica Rector Father Dennis Gill said.

Saturday was the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and regularly scheduled Mass. Both paid respects to those injured and killed.

Father Gill stressed the importance of reminding the public to not become immune to these tragedies.

"I also think that we as a church have an obligation to make this opportunity available so that we don't forget that God doesn't want this. This is not his plan," said Father Gill.

Cara Frescoln of Ridley Park, Pa. said, "It's definitely something that's fresh."

Many said they've been searching for comfort.

Salvatore Capheasto of Ridley Park, Pa. said, "I've been thinking about it pretty much all week. This is a way here where we can cope with stuff."

"I think it's wonderful that the priest is talking about it and letting everyone express their feelings about it in Mass," Frescoln said.

Some were also calling on changes to gun laws.

"Having that place you can go that can give you solace, everyone can come together, but really the laws need to change," Jo Trinh of Abington, Pa. said.

Sunday Masses will also focus on the victims marking one week since the tragedy.

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps