24.06.2015
Students who Died in Berkeley, California, Remembered at St Ann’s Service
An Taoiseach, An Tainaiste, members of the Cabinet and past and present members of the Houses of the Oireachtas attended an ecumenical Service of Remembrance in St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, today (June 24) for those who lost their lives in Berkeley, California last Tuesday.
The service was led by Canon David Gillespie who was joined by Archbishop Michael Jackson, Bishop Éamonn Walsh (Roman Catholic Church), Reverend Chris Kennedy (Presbyterian Church) and Reverend Andrew Dougherty (Methodist Church) who all participated in the service. Also present were representatives of the Muslim, Jewish and the Quaker communities.
Music at the service was led by the St Ann’s Church Choir, directed by Charles Marshall. The Anthem [In Paradisum, Fauré] was accompanied by harpist, Dianne Marshall.
In his introduction to the service, Archbishop Jackson said: “We gather today in this city centre church to give thanks for life itself. We gather also to express sorrow and sympathy to the family members and friends of those who have died. We remember with thanksgiving those who in the time of youth and the prime of life have died at home or abroad, in tragic accidents on our roads, in work–related incidents and when engaged in leisure activities. Most particularly at this time we remember those who have died in Berkeley California both those from Ireland and those from elsewhere. We remember also those who continue to fight bravely and painfully for their lives as we speak. Together and in silence let us ask God for strength in our sadness, for love in our lostness and for hope in our helplessness”.