DOVER PLAINS, N.Y. — On Saturday, September 14, members of San Silverio Shrine celebrated the feast of San Pio.

This year’s celebration included the dedication of a monument and memorial garden to the victims of 12/14. Monsignor Robert Weiss, pastor of St Rose of Lima in Newtown, was a very special guest for the celebration, which took place on the nine-month anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings.

“We were honored to have Monsignor Weiss attend this event and offer his benediction,” said Gerardo Conte, a member of the Catholic shrine. “The names of all the victims were read while 26 children placed a rose in front of the monument; 26 balloons were also let go at the end of the ceremony. We pray for the victims and their families.”

“I don’t think there was a dry eye in the crowd,” said Andrea Cerra, a member of San Silverio Shrine and the ceremony’s project manager.

A nondenominational dedication and blessing were offered. Offerings left during Saturday’s daylong event were to be divided between the Sandy Hook Fund at St Rose and St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.