Chelsea City holds third annual peace vigil; faith leaders urge unity and support for young people

Faith leaders, educators and residents gathered at a Chelsea City peace vigil to call for unity and a renewed focus on youth wellbeing. The event, now in its third year, included prayers, scripture readings, musical worship and personal reflections from community members and religious leaders.

The school superintendent thanked organizers and the interfaith community for "covering our city in prayer," saying the support provides "covering for our youth" and repeating a refrain she described as prophetic: "Greater works have yet to be done in the city of Chelsea." The superintendent framed the vigil as a source of spiritual and communal support for schools and city leadership.

Organizers said the annual vigil began in 2024 amid concerns about street violence and has become a recurring forum to bring together young people, houses of worship, police, fire and city officials. "When we stand together ... we are stronger together," an organizer told the crowd, urging the community to continue the event each year.

Several faith leaders linked the idea of civic peace to what happens inside homes. "Start where you are. Start at home," said Pastor Diego Neto of Revive Community Church, urging attendees to practice listening, apology and forgiveness as daily habits that build healthier families and neighborhoods. Diego framed those private choices as the foundation for public peace: "If enough of us commit to building this kind of environment in our homes, we will begin to see impact beyond our front doors."

Youth and congregation voices were part of the program. Matheus, speaking for his church, said peace begins "at the root in our homes" and urged individuals to model calm and respect. A liturgical dance set to Psalms 23 and congregational singing were presented as expressions of communal solidarity and comfort.

Tanya Vaez, a community educator who said she works with children in Boston and Chelsea, described students facing a range of challenges "from mental health to learning differences" and urged parents and schools to provide social-emotional supports and space for young people to participate in problem-solving. "Students are struggling," she said, and the community must listen and act to support them.

Pastor Ellen of the Congregational Church acknowledged State Rep. Sal D. Domenico in attendance and thanked him for braving poor weather to join the vigil. Organizers closed the program after a final performance, thanked attendees for staying through the rain and said they expect the vigil to continue as an annual community event.

The vigil produced no formal actions or votes; speakers framed the gathering as a time for prayer, reflection and community connection and emphasized practical, home-based steps to support peace and youth wellbeing.