Interfaith Vigil Offers Chance For Marathon Remembrance, Prayer And Hope

BOSTON (CBS) – An interfaith prayer vigil was held on the steps of Trinity Church in Copley Square Saturday night, to remember what happened last year just steps away on Boylston Street.

"We were afflicted by the tragedy that tried to extinguish the spirit of our marathon, that tried to shake our faith and test our strength," Suzan El-Rayess of the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center told those attending the vigil.

Representatives of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths participated in the vigil.

Participants in the Light the Fire of Peace vigil did more than recall what happened last year. They also looked ahead and rejoiced in the fact the Boston Marathon tradition continues.

Cathy Bradley got to mile 25 last year before she was stopped when explosions at the finish line brought the marathon to a tragic end.

She's back this year to finish.

"It will never be the same," she said. "For me it's going to be emotional.  I'm excited but it's also very emotional. It think it's a time of healing on many levels for many people."

Libby Roberts, a marathon spectator, said the vigil was a way to move on from last year. "I think it's taking our city back and filling it with peace rather than anger," she said.

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON