World AIDS Day in the city

BOSTON. Red ribbons were made visible around the globe yesterday to mark the 20th World AIDS Day, with local events drawing on the need for action, prayer and reflection.

“The people who come here are very grateful they have some place to pray,” said Father Richard Clancy, the Catholic Priest at the MIT Chapel, which hosted “A Time of Remembrance and Reflection” yesterday afternoon.

Inside the chapel, music played as people quietly honored those who have died of AIDS, some stopping to write messages on a board about lost loved ones.

"The actions give them an opportunity to express their feelings," Clancy said.

A similar service was held at the Boston Living Center and discussions of the pandemic - currently affecting more than 40 million worldwide - were hosted at Boston Medical Center, St. Mark’s Church and at the MIT Museum, to name a few.

In addition, free HIV tests were offered throughout the city.