Dozens of Lansing families with roots in regions destroyed by a deadly earthquake and hurricane this week prayed together on Wednesday night.
Holding small candles, performing Hail Marys and singing religious songs, the faithful filled the sanctuary of Cristo Rey Catholic Church in South Lansing.
Veronica Madrid's cousin was caught in the deadly earthquake near Mexico City on Tuesday. He is okay but told Madrid it was terrifying.
"It was awful, indescribable that’s an awful feeling that you might die," said Madrid.
People from Mexico, Cuba, Nicaragua and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico attended the service. On Wednesday, a powerful Hurricane Maria slammed the island with flooding rains and winds speeds near 150 mile per hour.
"Nothing compares more than prayers and to be together as a family," said Madrid.