Well before an interfaith service of remembrance began at Trinity Church Tuesday night, December 14, a lone musician stood atop the steps of that historic stone landmark adjacent to the flagpole as the familiar strains of “Ave Maria” gently floated from where he stood on the cement landing, out over the evening traffic.

Most of those passing by were likely oblivious to the trumpeter who traveled again this week from Montreal to the center of town, as he has done in years past, to uplift those coming to remember those killed during the tragedy of 12/14.

Massillon E. LaPorte returned Tuesday to play while local faith leaders and members of the community quietly began assembling inside the church for the annual interfaith service to remember those who were lost that fateful Friday morning in 2012.

The event at Trinity was the first of two services of remembrance offered in town Tuesday evening. Newtown Interfaith Council members presented their program at Trinity at 6:30, while St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church hosted a Mass of Remembrance that began 30 minutes later.

In very broken English, LaPorte was able to get his point across to those who saw him ahead of the service: He had returned, he said, to play for “les enfants,” the children, who died nine years ago.

Trinity organist Donald Wismann welcomed LaPorte into the Trinity sanctuary. The two smiled, not understanding each other’s spoken language, but later able to communicate through music. When LaPorte begin to play “Amazing Grace” on his trumpet, Wismann joined from the loft on the church’s massive Austin pipe organ.

A short time later, Trinity Pastor Andrea Castner Wyatt welcomed those gathered in the pews, saying it was good “to be with each other this night, in this time of remembrance.”

The service continued with a Call To Gathering by Mariam Azeez. It continued with music — LaPorte and Wismann again performing “Amazing Grace,” this time with both in the organ loft — and then sacred text readings by members of Congregation Adath Israel, Al Hedaya Islamic Center, Newtown Congregational Church, and Baha’i Faith of Newtown.

When Leah Crebbin and Mariam Azeez read each of the names of those killed December 14, 2021, Castner Wyatt gently tapped a singing bowl set on a table in front of the southern pews, where 26 small green jar candles had been set in the shape of a heart. Following prayers for the community led by Newtown United Methodist Church Pastor Lori Miller, Castner Wyatt returned to the table and offered a prayer for light.

She then invited those in attendance to “come forward and light a candle from a flame that is already burning.” One candle within the group of 26 on the northern table and one candle within the second group, nearly 60 additional candles in front of the southern pews, had already been lit.

With Wismann again playing gently on the organ, the candles were lit and the attendees were given time for prayer, meditation, and contemplation.

To close the service, the Reverend Leo McIlrath offered a blessing.

“We are here with somewhat heavy yet somewhat hopeful hearts,” he said in part. “We are committed to always holding fond memory of all those very special administrators, teachers, and young children who have preceded us into your heavenly kingdom, into your beautiful home.

“We will never forget them, nor their family members, but they will be with us always, in our hearts and in our community.”

Mass Of Remembrance

The St Rose of Lima Parish Mass of Remembrance also offered solemn prayers to the victims and their families.

“We need to gather in hope that these children show us the way to unity and respect for life,” Monsignor Robert Weiss said in his weekly message to parishioners.

The monsignor’s message reminded the community that the strength of unity and faith they showed on that dark day left an indelible mark on the world — and continued prayer and healing can make the world a place of peace and goodness.

At the 7 pm Mass Tuesday, 26 white orchids and 26 candles adorned the altar. Youth group members proceeded one by one to place an angel ornament on the tree in the sanctuary as each victim’s name was read by Monsignor Weiss and the memorial bell was rung by its creator Marco Savo.

Bishop Frank Caggiano was the celebrant and homilist.

Referring to the tragic event, Bishop Caggiano said, “We can either allow darkness … to continue its invasion, or choose the light founded in our faith and in the one … whose coming was foretold by a star that shone brightly in the darkness of night.”

Bishop Caggiano then shared words of encouragement with the congregation.

“You may not know what a profound example you and your sisters and brothers in Sandy Hook have provided the entire world by your courage, your love, your mercy … and your forgiveness. You have shown the world that the light of Christ is real and burns brightly right here,” he said.

As the Mass drew to a close, Monsignor Weiss offered a heartfelt plea to his parishioners, imploring them to continue praying.

“I really thought this would end the violence … but where are we now? Please keep praying — for everything we do is rooted in God,” he said.

He then thanked dignitaries who attended the Mass to celebrate with their constituents, including State Rep Mitch Bolinksi, State Senator Tony Hwang, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, former First Selectman Pat Llodra, and Newtown Police Chief James Viadero.

At the conclusion, Monsignor Weiss invited State Senator Tony Hwang to say a few words.

“It is okay to let go of our emotions,” Hwang said. “We are always here for each other. Light and faith will guide us through the unknown.”

The church had been open all day and remained open into the night for parishioners and others to pray and light a candle of remembrance.