Photographer: Matt Nguyen

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Nearly 300 Cathedral Catholic High School students crammed into St. Therese Chapel today in remembrance of the one-year anniversary of former CCHS student Jay Zolina’s passing and the 14-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City.

“When the Cathedral community came together this morning in celebration of the Eucharist, the minds and hearts of everyone in the room united in memory of Jay,” said Fr. Martin Latiff, who presided over the celebration. “I think there was a sense of comfort and consolidation in sharing our sadness and grief together under God’s presence.”

The Mass, which began at 7:15 a.m., gradually attracted more students as it continued. Within ten minutes after the Mass started, every seat in the chapel was taken. At least fifty students were forced to stand during the Mass.

Senior Victor Centera described the emotions that accumulated during the Mass.

“I realized that getting through the Mass without crying was impossible,” Centera said. “When ‘Oceans’ and ‘Lean on Me’ started playing towards the end, I was reminded of last year’s Mass in memory of Jay.”

By the time Eucharist was administered, there was barely a dry eye in the chapel. As the 10- minute bell rang on, everyone wrapped his or her arms around each other, swaying back and forth to the melody of “Lean on Me”.

After the Mass ended, Fr. Martin explained the significance of the Mass.

“I don’t think I can really pinpoint a particular part of the Mass that was most powerful,” he said. “The whole Mass from beginning to end was a moment to come together around Christ in the Eucharist, and that’s what made the whole Mass powerful. The Mass was definitely characteristic of Cathedral’s deep sense of community.”

Once attendees exited the chapel, they embraced each other for an extended period. After the five-minute bell rang, students peacefully walked to their classes, some students reminiscing about memories regarding Zolina’s life.

“It’s sad what happened, but this experience has made me a stronger person,” Centera said. “I’ve learned that it is better to let out your emotions rather than to hide them behind a smile. Expressing how much you love your friends can make all the difference, even if you just text [them]. I believe I can use my experiences to help others.”

The Mass celebrated this morning was equally emotional and beautiful, reminding students about the sanctity of human life, whether those lives belonged to Zolina or the victims who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001.