Remembering Grenfell - First Anniversary

Source: Staff writer

Today, 14 June 2014, marks the first Anniversary of the Grenfell Tower Fire. All the faith communities in the area are holding special services. Last night there was a prayer vigil at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Pottery Lane.

At 7.30pm, Cardinal Vincent Nichols came to St Francis to say Mass for the repose of the souls of all who died in the fire and for the healing of hearts and minds of all who survived.

At the end of the Mass the Cardinal proceeded to the courtyard to bless a plaque and a statue in memory of those of this parish who died at Grenfell Tower. There was a sound system relaying the service to outside the church.

A 24 hour vigil for Grenfell also took place at St Clement's Church (opposite St Francis' School) from 6pm yesterday, Wednesday 13 June, concluding with a Eucharist at 5pm. Each faith community was present for silent prayer for some hours during the night. Parishioners from St Francis were signed up to keep watch today, Thursday 14th June from 6am - 8.30am.

Al Manaar in partnership with ACAVA are producing a community wide Grenfell Memorial Mosaic and a specially commissioned poem ('14.6.17') by a local writer which is due to be unveiled today.

The mosaic depicts a flower, representing growth and rebirth. The unveiling will take place at Maxilla Gardens, at 11.30am where a new reflective space is being created. This will be followed by a community wide 72-second silence at noon.