09/11/2026
Amen.💯🕊🙏
Today we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the hijacked plane that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
As we remember and pray for the victims and survivors of those attacks, we invite you to join us in prayer. Perhaps you can offer your Rosary or say a prayer at Mass today for the families who lost a relative or a loved one.
What follows is an excerpt of a meditation about September 11th written by one of our friars.
Many first responders gave their lives on September 11th in service to others. Their sacrifice reflects Christ’s act of total self-giving. By his resurrection, Christ comforts us with his peace, reigning in our hearts as the Prince of Peace. The Risen Christ shows us that life cannot be defeated by the scourge of death.
He gives us hope, which is stronger than our despair, anger, and pain. Saint Paul reminds us of this truth when he exhorts us to “have no anxiety about anything,” for “the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6–7).
In addition to their respective prayer and address, both Pope Benedict and Pope Francis lit a remembrance candle for the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks during their visits to Ground Zero. These gestures were quite fitting, for in these actions both pontiffs showed the world a tangible sign of the light of Christ, a light that never fades.
The horror of that day may still remain etched in our memories after nearly two decades. Many continue to grieve the loss of loved ones who died in the attacks. Yet Christ is victorious. His light shines brightly in the midst of darkness and despair, illuminating us with his peace and love.
—Fr. Paul Marich, O.P.
