A community vigil on Bourbon Street turned into a moment of personal prayer for Michael Cortez. He prayed for the memory and legacy of his friend and former neighbor Brandon Taylor, one of 14 people killed in the Bourbon Street terrorist attack.“Being that that was an individual that I knew, that really was like, wow, that’s even more closer to home. You know, it could’ve been me out there,” said Cortez.Cortez is a member of One Accord Ministries whose members spent Wednesday praying for the victims, survivors and everyone impacted.“We are coming together to bring faith, restore love in the community and restore hope,” said Cortez.Their day started at their church in Avondale and their faith led them all the way to Bourbon Street. Pastor Ander Pellerano dedicated his prayers for peace to eradicate the fear he believes lingers over the city.“We have not been giving a spirit of fear but a power of love and a sound mind,” said Pellerano.As the cold air blows through the memorial that’s now protected by a barricade, people hope the warmth of prayer will embrace the victims, their families, and our city.“It really hurts my heart that that had to happen to anybody. This is a place for a good time, this is not a place for crime and hate,” said Pellerano.Rashanae Papania visited the memorial on her own and saw the group praying, calling the moment divine timing. “It really breaks my heart. I had to come out myself and pay my respects, it’s only right,” said Papania.Pellerano dedicated his thoughts to honor those 14 lives, preaching the Crescent City cannot live in fear and will not let a tragedy define who we are.“We never let one incident put a label on an entire city,” said Pellerano.
A community vigil on Bourbon Street turned into a moment of personal prayer for Michael Cortez. He prayed for the memory and legacy of his friend and former neighbor Brandon Taylor, one of 14 people killed in the Bourbon Street terrorist attack.
“Being that that was an individual that I knew, that really was like, wow, that’s even more closer to home. You know, it could’ve been me out there,” said Cortez.
Cortez is a member of One Accord Ministries whose members spent Wednesday praying for the victims, survivors and everyone impacted.
“We are coming together to bring faith, restore love in the community and restore hope,” said Cortez.
Their day started at their church in Avondale and their faith led them all the way to Bourbon Street.
Pastor Ander Pellerano dedicated his prayers for peace to eradicate the fear he believes lingers over the city.
“We have not been giving a spirit of fear but a power of love and a sound mind,” said Pellerano.
As the cold air blows through the memorial that’s now protected by a barricade, people hope the warmth of prayer will embrace the victims, their families, and our city.
“It really hurts my heart that that had to happen to anybody. This is a place for a good time, this is not a place for crime and hate,” said Pellerano.
Rashanae Papania visited the memorial on her own and saw the group praying, calling the moment divine timing.
“It really breaks my heart. I had to come out myself and pay my respects, it’s only right,” said Papania.
Pellerano dedicated his thoughts to honor those 14 lives, preaching the Crescent City
cannot live in fear and will not let a tragedy define who we are.
“We never let one incident put a label on an entire city,” said Pellerano.
#Vigil #held #Bourbon #praying #peace #eradicating #fear
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