Organised and led by Father Timothy Lipscomb, the service brought together people of all faiths to remember the tragic events of the holocaust. He said it was important to commemorate the holocaust and to bring people together so that we might learn from the tragedies of the past, and learn to live in peace.
The service included readings and speeches from people of various faiths. Some recited prayers in their own languages, or spoke of other tragic events since the holocaust where people had become divided, victimised and murdered because of faith. There was also a reading by a member of the faith forum and by Tim Joel, events manager for Preston city council, and a closing address by the mayor of Preston.
The service also included some beautiful pieces of music performed by “A Company of Voices”and a beautifully moving dance performance entitled “The Journey” by three members of the Cardinal Newman Dance Academy.
It was a truly amazing and moving event to be part of. The congregation was made up people of many different faiths including Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Romanian Orthodox, C of E, Catholic, Protestant and Pagan to name a few!
The events of the holocaust still continue to astound and horrify those who learn about this dreadful piece of history. I remember visiting Auschwitz on a school trip. There aren’t many things that will make a group of thirty teenagers cry. The evil seemed to seep out of the very ground. It made you wonder what hope has mankind got if we are capable of doing such horrific things to each other?
But if so many people of different faiths and walks of life can come together as one to remember and learn from the tragic events of the past. If these amazing shows of unity and strength and brotherhood between the faiths can continue to happen, then it really gives one hope that someday mankind will succeed in learning to live in peace with one another.
Blog Post by Amy Louise Hardy