Post date: Jan 13, 2013 12:20:12 PM
Giglio islanders, shipwreck survivors and relatives of those killed on the Costa Concordia cruise liner attend a memorial mass on the first anniversary of the disaster.
GIGLIO, ITALY (JANUARY 13, 2013) (POOL) - Hundreds of relatives and shipwreck survivors gathered in the church on Giglio Island on Sunday (January 13) to join together in remembering the tragic accident which took the lives of 32 people one year ago.
They were joined by Giglio islanders and Italian officials in a solemn mass.Priest Don Lorenzo Pasquotti spoke of the tragedy and praised the rescue services, the islanders, the survivors and the families of the victims.
"One year ago, the heavens opened on Giglio Island. On that cold night of 13th January the heavens opened and were full of solidarity for everyone on the Island. All the rescue workers who were so courageous and tenacious who immersed themselves in the tragedy that was happening, they shared everything and risked everything, giving the best of themselves," said Don Pasquotti.
Another priest asked for prayers for the mourning friends and relatives.
"For all the mourning families who are living with their suffering and anguish, we ask the Virgin Mary to give them consolation and hope. Let us pray," the priest said.
Later in the day the families of those who died will watch a memorial plaque being unveiled on the lighthouse, before being taken out to sea next to the wreck to spend a few moments close to the site where their loved ones were last seen.
At the time of the accident at 2042GMT a minute of silence will be held before sirens sound to mark the time the ship crashed into the rocks.