Remembering 9/11, 25 years later: 'We are never alone'

Summary

The article reflects on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Archbishop Ronald Hicks recalls learning of the attacks while studying in Chicago and says the tragedy led people to return to faith, hope, and mutual support. The article highlights Father Mychal Judge, a New York Fire Department chaplain who died while serving others and was identified as the first certified fatality of the attacks. His name is included among those commemorated at the National September 11 Memorial in New York. Anniversary observances described in the article include Masses, vigils, remembrance walks, wreath-laying ceremonies, light tributes, and the ringing of church bells at 8:46 a.m., when the first plane struck the North Tower. A vigil Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral brought together victims’ relatives, emergency responders, civic leaders, clergy, humanitarian groups, and representatives of different religious traditions. The article also recalls appeals for dialogue and peace by Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. Archbishop Hicks emphasizes that grief and healing take time, while expressing the Christian belief that God remains present in tragedy and that communities are strengthened when they remember and pray together.