ROCHESTER, N.H. — James Foley, the U.S. journalist slain by Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham militants after being held in captivity for nearly two years, was honored Sunday at a Mass of Remembrance in his hometown.
Foley was kidnapped on Thanksgiving Day 2012 while covering the Syrian uprising. Bishop Peter Libasci noted that even after Foley was captured for the first time in Libya in 2011, he "went back again that we might open our eyes ... That we might indeed know how precious is this gift. May almighty God grant peace to James and to all our fragile world."
The bishop also prayed for another captive journalist, Steven Sotloff, and all captives. The afternoon Mass was held in Foley's hometown church, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, in Rochester.
At a vigil Saturday night in Rochester, about 200 people gathered to show support for the Foley family. Foley's parents, John and Diane Foley, attended, Foster's Daily Democrat reported. "We are honored that you care and love Jim. We are honored that you recognized the sacrifices he made," John Foley said.
The funeral for Foley will be Oct. 18, on what would have been his 41st birthday.
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