CHNY News Desk: News Archives: Article

News Archives

December 8, 2005 -- Covenant House New York Candlelight Vigil

On December 7, 2005, Covenant House New York held its Annual Candlelight Vigil in Time Square. This year marked its 15th anniversary. The purpose of this event is to show support for the Covenant House mission to serve homeless and at-risk young people. In addition to Covenant House New York, 17 Covenant Houses throughout North America and Latin America hosted Candlelight Vigils. The Vigil began in 1991, when staff and residents at Covenant House New York were searching for a way to dramatize the plight of homeless youth in New York City. It was determined that an event in the heart of Times Square (an area where so many kids had wandered without knowing where their next meal would come from or where they would find shelter that night) was the ideal answer.

At this year’s Vigil, Sister Patricia Cruise, President of Covenant House International, gave the opening remarks to the ceremony. In addition, Bruce J. Henry, Executive Director of Covenant House New York, gave an inspirational speech encouraging the youth to take action and to make choices on their own that will benefit them in the future. Finally, two youths from Covenant House spoke about their experiences, the events that lead them here, and the progress that they have made since coming to Covenant House.

Overall, the Candlelight Vigil was an inspiring event and a large number of residents, staff, and supporters were present to bring attention to all homeless youth.