On this 20th anniversary of 9/11, may we never forget those who lost their lives on this day!

We remember the 2,977 men, women, and children who lost their lives in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, PA on that tragic day.

Let us pray – Lord of Mercy, Prince of Peace,

This date, 9-11, carries a heavy burden of memory. This day does not pass in the calendar without our remembering. We remember images of death and destruction. Images that human eyes were never meant to see. We remember words our ears were never meant to hear, the tender last words of husbands and wives who would never embrace again. We imagine the feeling of emptiness in the arms of children who at the end of the day could not find mom or dad for their welcome home hug. We remember our own feelings of emptiness as our sense of security, as our own confidence in the predictable order of life and work was radically shaken.

This date, 9-11, carries a heavy burden of memory. We remember the heroism of the many that lost their lives in saving others. We remember all those who suffered and died, we grieve for them still, friends and strangers alike, along with their families and friends.

This date, 9-11, carries a heavy burden of memory. And it is right that it should not pass from our memory. But today and in this prayer, along with our remembrance of profound loss, it also seems right that we give voice to our deep longing for peace, and with this prayer, commit ourselves to those actions that will draw us closer to our most ancient and most holy desire, peace among all God’s children.

Dona nobis pacem. Lord, grant us peace. Amen. ~ CatholicCharitiesNY.org ~

Let us continue to honor their sacrifice and hope that the memory of this painful tragedy inspire us and stir us to serve others and always do what is right and just!