BOSTON — It started as a way to make constructive use of family time back when the pandemic started -- but Pastor Pedro Castro, Jr. of the Grant A.M.E. Church never dreamed the Prayer Ribbon Memorial project would last this long nor grow so big.
“We never imagined that we’d get anywhere near 5,000 at the most,” Castro said.
The multi-colored ribbons, each representing a Covid-19 death in Massachusetts, are now strung across the front and sides of the Washington Street church in three, packed rows. Tuesday, church members added 700 more ribbons to reflect confirmed and probable deaths over the past few weeks.
The memorial now contains 13,705 ribbons.
“We thank them for their life and contribution and this is our way to remember them,” Castro said. “Their lives were beautiful. Their families were beautiful. Many have just done outstanding deeds in their lifetime. And so even out of something so bad and so negative these pretty ribbons represent pretty people. Wonderful people that really made a difference.”
At a ceremony Tuesday evening, a dozen church members gathered to commemorate not only the latest addition of ribbons but also the occasion of the United States surpassing 400,000 total Covid deaths.
Though it’s been a rough year, Castro said the virus has pulled his congregation closer together -- and given them direction.
“It is a reminder of how valuable life is and how we must really value time and life itself,” he said.
To that end, church members have become involved in more community projects than ever, Castro said, including blanket drives for the homeless, coats for kids, and meal deliveries for the elderly.
“Look how the community came together, look how we have learned to work together better,” said Castro. “And so with the vaccine being distributed across the country, a new presidential team going into the White House, we feel that we’re entering into a season of tremendous hope.”
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