ROCHESTER, New Hampshire (NEWS CENTER) -- About 900 people attended a hope and healing mass at the Holy Rosary Church in Rochester, New Hampshire, following the death of journalist James Foley.
It was where the Foley's went to church, and the congregation had been praying for his safe return ever since he was first kidnapped in Syria two years ago.
"He was just a beautiful man," said Sister Mary Rose Reddy. "It was an honor to know him."
The church was packed with friends, family, and strangers -- all compelled to honor James Foley's life, and support his grieving family.
"[His family] obviously believes in prayer and it means a lot to them that the greater New England community shows up," said Deirdre Reilly, who traveled to New Hampshire from outside of Boston. "I hope they feel our love."
The Foley family attended the service, and appeared to be deep in prayer throughout the mass.
Near the end, they stood in front of the church and made brief, and unplanned, remarks.
"Mr. Foley said thank you for being here and for being supportive, and Mrs. Foley said thank you all for loving Jim," said Bishop Peter A. Libasci.
The Bishop read a statement sent to the diocese from the Vatican. In part, it reads:
"The Holy Father, deeply saddened by the death of James Wright Foley...joins all who mourn him in praying for an end to senseless violence and the dawn of reconciliation and peace among all the members of the human family."
A memorial service is being planned for James Foley at the Holy Rosary Church on October 18, which would have been his 41st birthday.
