WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — Monday, Feb. 20, marks 20 years since 100 people were killed in the Station nightclub fire.

The fire, which also injured more than 200 others, left lasting scars on many local families.

A Mass of Remembrance for all who were affected by the tragedy was held Sunday morning at Saint Kevin Roman Catholic Parish on Sandy Lane in Warwick.

The local faith community came together to remember the lives lost, those who survived, and the heroes who emerged from that horrific night.

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In addition to being the pastor at St. Kevin’s, Marciano is the chaplain for Warwick police and the Warwick and Providence fire departments. He was one of the first responders that night and has spoken to hundreds of people affected by the fire over the years.

“I always try to focus on hope,” he said. “It is the motto of our state, and that we have hope in the middle of the tragedy envelops so many people, that it has brought out so much good in people, the kindness of others, and Rhode Island is a good, decent place for good people.”

“I call this Rhode Island’s 9/11. It was a day we’ll never forget,” Marciano added. “It’s one of the worst fire tragedies in the history of the country. But it affected everybody in Rhode Island. If you didn’t know someone, you knew someone who knew someone, and also just people of good will, you know? Your hearts break for these families. These were very good people who went to enjoy a night out.”

Carcieri told 12 News the message was simple: “You never forget.”

“It never really leaves you. Anybody that was impacted, and so many people were,” he said. “This is about the families today, those that lost loved ones, and so many that were injured. You don’t realize how many people were injured and are still alive.”

Carcieri said the response following the fire was tremendous.

“Thousands of Rhode Islanders, you know, you saw it, just came forward to do what ever they could to try and help,” he said.

The memory of that night is still raw for everyone who lost loved ones and those who survived.

“Everybody that passed … I owe my life to them. I owe my life to the doctors, to my family, first responders. I owe my life. There’s just no other words for it,” said Gina Russo, a survivor whose fiancé died in the fire.

“How do you get this lucky? And I say lucky—scars and all,” she added.

“Wishing he was here and I didn’t have to do this,” said Jody King, brother of Tracy King. “[Tracy was] gregarious. The life of everything. He was my pain in the neck and he was my most trusted confidant. I could count on him.”

“He’s amazing and he continues to be. We never talk about him in past tense,” said Nick O’Neill’s father, Dave Kane. “When we go out to dinner, order a pizza, we always use his name. We always have a place for him at the family table and all holidays.”

“Time does heal a little bit,” said Eddy Gonsalves, brother of Mike Gonsalves. “The memories will always be there, you know? Obviously, it’s a great tragedy. My parents had a hard time.”

“It’s something that you never forget. It sticks with you,” survivor Julie Cotoia said. “They say to forgive and to forget, to give it all to God so you can forward. But it’s kind of hard when you lose somebody.”

“Tragedy is a part of life. The key thing is how do we respond to it,” Bishop Richard Henning told 12 News. “When communities rise up and are compassionate, live in solidarity with one another, then even the worst tragedy becomes a source of new life.”

While the Mass took place one day before the 20th anniversary of the fire, a formal ceremony will be held at the Station Fire Memorial Park in May.