Family of Rollins College Dean Injured in Boston
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
By: Nicole Creston

April 16, 2013 | WMFE - Family members of the Rollins College campus minister were among those injured in the explosions at the Boston Marathon. Patrick Powers, Dean of the Knowles Chapel at Rollins, held a prayer vigil Tuesday for the bombing's victims, which included his sister and brother-in-law and their son.

[Image: Dean Patrick Powers speaking during prayer vigil in the rose garden next to Knowles Chapel at Rollins College]

Dean Patrick Powers told the several dozen students and faculty filling the Rollins Rose Garden that his brother-in-law was just starting to breathe on his own after having one leg amputated, his sister was facing surgery for her broken hand and the couple’s son was being treated for cuts and lacerations.

The three had been standing near the finish line when the bombs exploded.

After leading the vigil, Powers said he never imagined he’d be asking for prayers for his own family.

"I’ve done these kinds of prayer sessions before for other tragedies in our country, and I have always thought, as many of us think, 'That will never happen to me,'" he said. "'It’s distant from my world and my life.' But today, it’s in my life and in my world, and breaks my heart."

Powers said he’s been in touch with his sister’s other son who has flown to Boston, and he’s remaining cautiously optimistic about his family’s recovery.