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Mourners Hold Vigil in Aurora for Victims

Hundreds gather near cinema

By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 21, 2012 5:40 AM CDT

(Newser) – Mourners and members of the clergy attended a candlelight vigil last night in the parking lot across the street from the Century 16 multiplex in Aurora, Colo., reports the LA Times. “I want you to see all the reverends and pastors praying for our community. We cannot allow these tragedies to lock us up in fear," said the Rev. Patrick Dimmer. As the hot temperatures of the day dropped, more people joined the vigil, swellings its numbers to more than 300 before disbanding at 9:30pm.

"I wanted to do something to help," said an 11-year-old boy sitting on a nearby fence, holding a sign dedicating prayers to the lost. "I've been out here all day. Just waving.” At a Catholic church close to the shooting, Denver's new archbishop comforted more than 1,000 mourners who showed up to Friday evening mass, according to the AP, saying "the heart of our Father is stronger than the bullets that killed 12 people."

As night falls, candles sit along the sidewalk in front of a makeshift memorial for the victims in Aurora.
As night falls, candles sit along the sidewalk in front of a makeshift memorial for the victims in Aurora.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
People hold hands as they pray during a vigil Friday in Aurora, Colo.
People hold hands as they pray during a vigil Friday in Aurora, Colo.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Maria Davila holds her daughter Alexia, 9, during a vigil in Aurora.
Maria Davila holds her daughter Alexia, 9, during a vigil in Aurora.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Melissa Clark, left, and Nathan Mendonca, both 18 and from Aurora, Colo., look on during a vigil across from the cinema.
Melissa Clark, left, and Nathan Mendonca, both 18 and from Aurora, Colo., look on during a vigil across from the cinema.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
People mourn at a vigil in Aurora Friday.
People mourn at a vigil in Aurora Friday.   (AP Photo/Robert Ray)
Marietta Perkins falls to her knees in sorrow and prayer at the vigil.
Marietta Perkins falls to her knees in sorrow and prayer at the vigil.   (AP Photo/Robert Ray)
Esmeralda Carbajal, second from lower left, lights candles at a growing memorial across the street from the cinema.
Esmeralda Carbajal, second from lower left, lights candles at a growing memorial across the street from the cinema.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
People attending a candlelight prayer gathering cry as they pray Friday in Aurora, Colo.
People attending a candlelight prayer gathering cry as they pray Friday in Aurora, Colo.   (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
jacklynjohnson
Jul 24, 2012 11:28 AM CDT
I am very saddened to hear about this terrible shooting incident. My sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this tragedy. Thanks for the heads up on the Evertalk memorial page Christina. I will make sure to visit it.
weedouthate
Jul 21, 2012 9:29 AM CDT
The candle light vigil has very deep, yet untapped spiritual roots, that can actually give us means to weed out this kind of hatred once and for all. The wax of the candle represents our collective desire to weed out and compost the evil forces in society that are continually pressing against us, to bring us out of our complacency. These evil instincts and inclinations, once weeded out composted, function as spiritual bio-fuel that allows our heavenly intensiion to flame. This is our connection with God, Nature, and each other. The movie theatre rampage is so horrific that it strengthens our inner resolve to combat these inclinations within ourselves. Together we ignite our inner candles that fuse with each other and God.
JesusLovesSomeOfYou
Jul 21, 2012 8:45 AM CDT
"the heart of our Father (who we believe created everything including this tragedy and could have stopped it if He had wanted to) is stronger than the bullets that killed 12 people (who He also created only to allow to die painfully in tear gas and panic filled chaos.)" Amen. Praise Jesus. Don't forget to hand over your 10%.
 

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