09/11/2026
On September 11, 2001, Fr. Mychal Judge was the first victim of the attack on New York’s Twin Towers.
He was the senior chaplain of the New York City Fire Department. He ministered daily to the local firefighters as well as alcoholics, addicts, and the homeless.
On September 11, he was pacing the lobby of the first tower while praying the rosary. As he was giving last rites to a fallen firefighter, the second tower collapsed and he was hit by falling debris.
Amidst the dust and rubble, Fr. Mychal was discovered unconscious with no pulse. He was named Victim 001, the first official casualty of September 11.
While Fr. Mychal was just one of the many casualties, his story remains a testament to the many lives of the faithful we lost that day.
We pray for all those souls who lost their lives and their families who continue to grieve their passing. May eternal rest be grant unto them, O Lord.