Today Bermuda will take part in an International Day of Mourning and remembrance in honour of the lives lost in the terrorist attacks on Tuesday.

A series of candlelight vigils and special prayer services have been arranged for this weekend to give residents a chance to grieve and express their feelings in an attempt to heal.

The American Society of Bermuda and American Consulate General, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, The Salvation Army and St. Theresa's Catholic Church are all putting on separate vigils between tonight and Sunday and encourage the community to attend.

"We extend an invitation to the people of Bermuda and all visitors to the Island to join us on Friday September 14 at noon in the Harbourview Ballroom of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, for a prayer vigil," said a Hamilton Princess release.

"The vigil will be conducted by the Rev. Malcolm L. Eve, presiding elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Churches of Bermuda with a host of his pastors. Also Rev. Lloyd Duncan from the New Testament Church of God, Bethel's Family Choir with soloists Rodney Trott and Toni Robinson, will also be in attendance."

"There are no words that can adequately describe Tuesday's tragedy," the release said. "Every one of us has been affected in one way or another. All employees of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess continue to demonstrate caring and empathy toward our guests and distressed passengers."

And The American Society of Bermuda organiser Geneva Humdy-Woodley said she has called all residents to rally together in Victoria Park at 5.30 p.m. today.

"It is our hope that this opportunity to come together will help each of us begin the process of working through the pain, loss and grief that all of us are experiencing after the terrorist attacks that shook our world earlier this week in the United States," said Mrs. Humdy-Woodley.

"This is a time of heartache and sadness for all of us," she continued, "and until every loved one who is missing has been found, our bewilderment and pain will be ever present.

"We want to offer prayers and words of comfort and support to one another, as well as to the victims and their families in New York, Washington, Pennsylvania, across the US and throughout the world."

Mrs. Humdy-Woodley said the vigil, which will take place in Victoria Park at 5.30 p.m., will combine ministers and clergymen from various faiths around the Island in order to include all religions.

"Bringing together the ministers from every faith in Bermuda to help us work through our feelings is very important," she said. "We also want to remind people that what's happened is because of hatred. We need to have love and compassion for those who are in a lot more pain than we are.

"Clergy of all faith will offer prayer, scripture, and readings. Choirs will join us to sing songs of faith and hope.

"We look forward to coming together as a community, to find - together - the strength that will help us make it through the coming hours, days, weeks, and months."

Mrs. Humdy-Woodley said bleachers will be set up but extra blankets and chairs are encouraged.

Mrs. Humdy-Woodley also asked that those in attendance bring candles as tonight's ceremony will coincide with various vigils taking place around the world.

For additional information, please contact at Mrs. Humdy-Woodley at 292-8596.