More than 200 people joined the Lucero family this afternoon to commemorate the third anniversary of Marcelo Lucero’s death. While people came from all parts of Long Island and New York City to attend, there was a large representation from Patchogue’s Ecuadoran and native-born communities.
Guests arriving at St. Francis Church passed huge banners outside the neighboring middle school celebrating the community’s diversity that were erected in response to the killing.
Prayers were offered by religious leaders from a variety of faith traditions, including Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist.
Rev. Allan Ramirez delivered the homily. He said that as a Christian he prays the prayer Jesus taught to his followers. “It begins with the words ‘Our Father’. When we pray to God in that way we give up the right to decide who our brother is.”
Rev. Ramirez used the beautiful quilts made in honor of Marcelo by local women as an example of the community Patchogue is building. “Quilts have beauty because they are different shapes and colors,” he told the participants.
Rev. Ramirez ended by saying that;“We stand on holy ground because our hopes and dreams are sanctified here that our love may ultimately bring us all together.”
Joselo Lucero thanked participants at the vigil, saying that all he wanted to do that night was bring the different communities together.
