At one of the most highly publicized and influential marathons hosted by the United States, the unthinkable occurred. It was not that new records were broken, though there may have been, or even a case of inclement weather, although it proved to be as volatile as any Nor’easter.
At 2:50 p.m., a pair of pressure cooker bombs, planted by a pair of brothers, detonated alongside the finish line of the Boston Marathon. These acts led to the deaths of four and the injuries of many others. The news invaded every home nationwide and overstayed its welcome.
Our nights were sleepless, our nails and tempers short. We felt insecure and were concerned about the safety of our families, friends or relations that resided in Boston and the surrounding areas. But during this time, many Saint Anselm students, who could have remained embroiled in their own private battles related to this incident, instead banded together.
Here at Saint Anselm, we are known to be a close-knit community, but in this past week, our community grew in size – it extended to every person who had been impacted by this terrible tragedy. By Monday night, mere hours after the explosions, a prayer service outside of Joseph Hall had been organized.
It was led by Father Anselm, who was accompanied by Nathan Chartier and Matt Pendergast who performed the folk tune Amazing Grace. Regardless of one’s religious affiliation, the entire service was incredibly moving.  To see so many students, who took even a few brief moments for reflection or prayer, gathered together in honor of those who had been killed or injured was a poignant experience.
As we were led in prayer, a few of us held candles.  Doing so hearkened to the idea that, remarkably, in times of such tumult and turmoil, we are still capable of seeing the light within the darkness.
There had been a number of students present during the Marathon that day, either as a lifeguard, spectator or participant. Thankfully, all returned safely after an undoubtedly nerve-wracking few hours.
After this harrowing experience, the students received a warm welcome from their Anselmian peers, who cheered upon their return.
But for the people of Boston and the surrounding areas, where many Saint A’s students and alumni hail from, there was not such joy or solace. We had to wait days to be assured that our loved ones were safe from those who had wreaked so much havoc. Through these trials, our community did not waver.
The following Monday, we had a Moment of Silence, later accompanied by the sounding of the church bells at 2:50 p.m., which marked the fateful time that the two bombs detonated. Much like the prayer service that was held, the few minutes following the silence was a time for introspection, reflection and gratitude.
It is not just over the next coming days or weeks that we should be thankful for those who serve us, and grateful to have those we love in our lives – We, as a nation, are so incredibly lucky to have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that is denied to so many.