This Wednesday will mark the twenty – third anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Many will pause to focus on the events of that day. We as a nation will recall the tragic deaths and injuries that occurred at the World Trade Center, and at the Pentagon, and on the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will also acknowledge the dangers and violence in our unstable world that continue to confront us. Evidence of the dangers and violence can be seen in our news media on a regular basis.
Commenting on the tragedy commonly referred to as “9/11”, as previously noted, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, “After September 11, we are a wounded people. We share loss and pain, anger and fear, shock, and determination in the face of these attacks on our nation and our humanity. We also honor the selflessness of firefighters, police, chaplains, and other brave individuals who gave their lives in the service of others. They are true heroes and heroines.”
As Catholics, we are challenged to respond in faith to the pressing concerns of our brothers and sisters in need, and to remember in a special way all those who suffered in some way on that fateful day of September 11, 2001, and in its aftermath. We are also provided with the opportunity to explain to some of our young people, who were not with us at that time, about the dedication and sacrifices of so many.
Pope Benedict XVI, in 2008, visited “Ground Zero”, the site of the attack on “9/11” at the World trade Center in New York City. He reminded us that we continue to live in a dangerous and violent world. The following is an excerpt, provided by the media outlet “Hallow”, from the prayer he read during his visit:
God of understanding,
overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, we seek your light and guidance
as we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared may live
so that the lives lost here may not have been lost in vain.
Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope,
and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly
for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all.
Amen
As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to continue to ask for the special intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace, as we pray for peace in our world, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts.
** We will celebrate a special Patriots Day Mass on Wednesday, September 11th at 7:00 pm. Confession and Evening Prayer are NOT scheduled this evening.