Priests’ acts of ministry on 9/11 recalled 25 years later
PN Team • 2 months ago
Dallas Bishop Edward J. Burns has shared recollections of how Catholic priests responded amid the chaos of Sept. 11, 2001, drawing on stories he began collecting while serving with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Among them is Franciscan Father Mychal Judge, chaplain to the New York City Fire Department, who died ministering at the World Trade Center and was recorded as the first official victim of the attacks. Father Kevin Smith, who rushed to the scene, later identified and helped move Judge's body to St. Peter's Church.
Other priests featured include Father Raymond Nobiletti, photographed aiding a burn victim before the south tower collapsed, and Father Stephen McGraw, who ran toward the burning Pentagon with holy oils to anoint the wounded. In Washington, Father Gerard Creedon offered a prayer in the House of Representatives shortly before Congress recessed. Burns also recalls the "Ground Zero Cross," a steel beam discovered in the rubble that became a symbol of faith and endurance amid the tragedy.
Sources:
Sentiment
- The Pentagon The Pentagon is mentioned as the site where Father McGraw heroically ran to anoint the wounded, a favorable association.
- New York City New York City is the setting for the priests' heroic ministry during the 9/11 attacks, a favorable context.
- Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. is highlighted for the priest's prayer in Congress and proximity to the Pentagon response, a favorable mention.
- Dallas Dallas is mentioned only as the see of Bishop Burns, a neutral factual reference.