Boardman resident at vigil vows God 'will show the way'

Community Prayer Vigil

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More than 250 people attended a community prayer vigil at St.Dominic Catholic Church in Youngstown, OH.

Community Prayer Vigil

Gallery

More than 250 people attended a community prayer vigil Saturday Oct 2, 2010 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Youngstown, OH.

YOUNGSTOWN

The choice is: let the area around St. Dominic Church continue to be a place for crime and lawlessness – or do whatever is necessary to revitalize that section of the city.

Church parishioners, concerned citizens, clergymen and politicians joined in a vigil Saturday to say they won’t let that section of the city’s South Side further deteriorate.

About 250 people stood outside St. Dominic in steady rain, praying and talking about improving the community.

The Rev. Gregory Maturi, St. Dominic’s pastor, prayed for a “physical and spiritual transformation.”

He prayed for an “end to violence,” and for God to “help heal the wounds that violence caused.”

Sue Vitale of Boardman, who grew up in Youngstown, and Emma Nelson, from the city’s South Side, met at Saturday’s vigil.

Nelson needed an umbrella as the rainfall became heavy while Vitale needed a light for her prayer candle.

“I love Youngstown and know God will do great things here,” Vitale said. “He will show the way against this violence and lack of brotherly love.

For the complete story, photos and video, see Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com.