GARY – “So we dare to light a candle – many candles – (for) as real as darkness is, it is not the last word,” Father Michael Surufka, O.F.M., promised a congregation of more than 200 at St. Mary of the Lake on Dec. 30. “Life prevails over death, love prevails over hate, and goodness prevails over evil.”
That was the message as the Miller community came together to pray, support and comfort the family of Michael and Pegg Sangerman, parishioners who became shooting victims of an apparent home intruder on Dec. 18 who took the life of Pegg Sangerman, 73, and critically injured Michael Sangerman, 70.
“This interfaith vigil is for the healing of the parish and the community following the loss of Pegg, and gun violence in general,” said Deacon Stephen K. Grandfield, who offered a reflection on eternal life. “We are also praying for Mike’s healing.”
Deacon Grandfield’s reflection touched upon Pegg Sangerman’s passing just as the couple’s daughter, Samantha, is near giving birth to their first grandchild. “At a time of mourning like this, we often feel that we are distant from those we love. Actually, they are united with us now more than ever before,” he said. “No more do they know the constraints of the human condition. Now they are able to love us with a deeper love, a fuller love, a love that is enriched by God’s own love.”
It was important to organizers Therese Carey and Jack Denges, the parish’s music minister, that the vigil be an ecumenical event, added Grandfield. Greg Bueltman of Bethel Lutheran Church offered a musical prelude and postlude to the service, Lisa Giglio of Temple Israel provided a reflection on healing, and Jessica Renslow of Marquette Park United Methodist led the gathering in a Litany of Prayer by Candle Light, while David Herr, diocesan ministry coordinator of sacred music, led the community choir.
The light of a single candle was used to light individual candles held by those in attendance who sang “Christ Be Our Light” in the darkened church.
While promising that the Gary Police Department is “working tirelessly to solve this crime,” adding that “justice for Pegg and for her family is our priority,” Gary Mayor Eddie Melton also touched upon the theme of the prayer service. “Tonight, as we hold these candles, there will be a resolve that we are stronger together.
“(God) is here wrapping his arms around us, even as we walk in darkness. But let us not forget that death is not the end, but a passage,” said the mayor.
“The support and love of the St. Mary of the Lake and Miller community has been overwhelming. Everyone has been so kind,” said George and Mary Ann McGuan, Pegg Sangerman’s brother and sister-in-law and fellow parishioners. “The spiritual energy when people come to church is so strong. Both Pegg and Mike have affected so many lives in our community.”
Caption: Tamara and Marsha Browne, who earlier led the congregation in reciting "The Memorare," participate in a candlelight vigil for Michael and Pegg Sangerman on Dec. 30 at St. Mary of the Lake in Gary. "It was Pegg's favorite prayer," said Tamara Browne of the shooting victim who succumbed to her injuries on Dec. 18. An estimated 200 community members attended the prayer vigil as Michael Sangerman remained hospitalized. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)