Obama to Lead Interfaith Service in South End on Thursday

President Barack Obama will be in the South End on Thursday to lead a special interfaith service dedicated to the victims of the attacks at the marathon on Monday.  

The service will be held at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End (1400 Washington St.)

Governor Deval Patrick announced the service at a press conference yesterday evening. 

"The service is an opportunity for the community to come together in the wake of the tragic events at the Boston Marathon this week," said the governor's office in a statement.

In addition to President Barack Obama, federal, state, local officials will join first responders, civic leaders from communities along the marathon route, medical personnel, victims and their families, as well as volunteers from the Boston Athletic Association have been invited to attend.

Doors for the service will open to the public at 8 a.m. Guests can access the entrance at Washington Street and Monsignor Reynolds Way from the north and west.

Tickets will be released on a first come, first serve basis to those in line at the Cathedral, according to the governor's office. 

Guests should be prepared for "airport-like" security, and are advised to plan accordingly for lines and delays. Guests are asked to bring as few personal items as possible. No bags, sharp objects, liquids or signs will be allowed in the venue.

The public is highly encouraged to take public transportation, since both parking and road service in the area will be extremely limited, said the governor's office. According to South End resident blog BosGuy, there will be no parking allowed on Washington Street, Harrison Avenue and all cross streets between Shawmut and Albany Streets, and traffic will be completely shut down between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.