Residents at St. Vincent’s Deeply Affected by Attack
Grief Counseling Offered, Memorial Services Planned

   SAN DIEGO — The nation’s shock, grief and anger in the wake of Tuesday’s terrorist attack have reached all rungs of the socio-economic ladder. As Americans across the U.S. mourn and seek answers, the gravity of the situation has not been lost on residents of St. Vincent de Paul Village.

   "The reaction has been from soup to nuts," says Village counselor Fr. Gil Gentile. "(Our residents) are angry, sad, bewildered – it’s a very difficult time for all of us."

   In response to the tragedy, St. Vincent’s Counseling Department has been offering grief counseling to clients, in addition to the many services normally available. Flyers were posted throughout the Village informing residents of the outreach.

   "We want to give clients the chance to discuss their feelings and talk through their emotions, and many have taken advantage of this opportunity," Gentile says. "They, like everyone living in the free world, are shocked by this senseless tragedy and have a need to express their feelings."

   A Village prayer service attended by 70 residents was held Tuesday. St. Vincent’s will also honor today’s proclamation by President George W. Bush who declared Friday, September 14, 2001 as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance. The Village will hold a memorial service at its 1501 Imperial Avenue location at 11 a.m. tomorrow in its on-site non-denominational chapel. The organization’s corporate staff will hold a memorial service at its offices located at 3350 "E" Street at the same time.

   "Our residents and staff have an incredible sense of empathy for the families touched by this tragedy and a strong sense of patriotism for our country – we’re all optimistic we’ll persevere," Gentile says.

   For more information on the grief counseling effort at St. Vincent de Paul Village or tomorrow’s prayer service, please call (619) 525-1608.

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