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Judge, known to the firefighters as "Father Mike," had been a friar for 46 years and a priest for 40 years, and had served as a fire department chaplain since 1992. The friary where he lived, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in midtown Manhattan, was across the street from Engine Company 1/Ladder Company 24. Judge often ate at the firehouse. He kept a radio scanner in his room. Firefighter Steve Wojciechowski described him to Newsday as "always the first guy on the scene."

Judge was known for his compassion for people, regardless of their religion or social status. He visited the White House several times, including a February visit with President George W. Bush. He also worked among AIDS patients, crime victims, and others. Once Judge traveled to Ireland on a peace mission with friend Steven McDonald, a New York City police detective who had been paralyzed below the neck after a shooting.

After the 1996 crash of Trans World Airways Flight 800 off Long Island, Judge became the personal pastor for families of the victims, moving temporarily to the hotel where they stayed, and helping to arrange services. "Have your memories and hold tight to your tears," Judge told the families last year. "Open your hearts and let their spirit and life keep you going."

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani called Judge "a saint, a wonderful man." Hundreds attended his funeral Mass on Saturday, including Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea Clinton. Many stopped to touch his fire helmet, which rested atop his casket.

John Zawadzinski, who works in the Franciscan communication office, told Christianity Today that Judge had died in the line of duty. "It was a great loss," Zawadzinski said, "but ultimately, in the minds of those who knew him, God must have seen him as the right person to be with all those firefighters in heaven."

Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Little hope at ground zero — USA Today (Sept. 18, 2001)

His Parish Knew No Bounds — Los Angeles Times (Sept. 16, 2001)

New York remembers firefighters in first funerals — CNN (Sept. 16, 2001)

Funerals held for fallen FDNY heroes — MSNBC (Sept. 15, 2001)

Christianity Today's other articles on the attacks include:

With Grief and Anger, the U.S. Mourns Its Losses | A week of official services and impromtu demonstrations follows shocking attacks. (Sept. 18, 2001)

Orthodox Church Near Ground Zero Hopes to Rise Again | Members hope to rebuild 169-year-old structure, which stood only 500 feet from the World Trade Center. (Sept. 18, 2001)

Churches Meet Needs at Ground Zero | Brooklyn pastors and parishioners thank God for survival, but help victims and families cope. (Sept. 17, 2001)

Books & Culture Corner: The Imagination of Disaster | "We thought we were invulnerable." Really? (Sept. 17, 2001)

Church Mourns 'Father Frank' | Fond memories comfort those who knew retired priest killed in World Trade Center attack. ? (Sept. 17, 2001)

Taking It Personally | What do we do with all this anger? (Sept. 14, 2001)

'Is That Thunder?' | With metal cracking at the World Trade Center, New York pastors cry out to God. (Sept. 14, 2001)

Shaken Christians Turn to Prayer | Impromptu services usher in the bereaved by word of mouth, road signs, and e-mail. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Christians Provide Comfort in the Shadow of Calamity | Still "stunned and reeling," New Yorkers seek support at prayer service. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Illinois Pastor on Fatal Flight | Jeffrey Mladenik, 43, was involved in workplace ministry, international adoption. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Communication Troubles Challenge U.S. Church Relief Agencies | Aid work continues amid atmosphere of shock, fear, and sporatic harrassment. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Reflections on Suffering | Classic and contemporary quotations for dark times. (Sept. 13, 2001)

When Sin Reigns | An event like this shows us what humans are capable of becoming—both as children of darkness and of light. (Sept. 13, 2001)

In the Belly of the Beast | Christians, calling terrorist attack "satanically brilliant," minister at epicenter of World Trade disaster. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Churches, Agencies Respond to Attacks | Leaders call for prayer, justice, and mercy. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Muslims Fear a Backlash | No matter who is responsible, observers feel a reaction will still be present. (Sept. 12, 2001)

A Wake-Up Call to Become Global Christians | The deadly attacks on America will provoke many responses, but Christians are commanded to love our neighbors. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Nation's Religious Leaders Urge Calm, Pray for Peace | Churches will maintain prayer vigils for victims and leaders. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Church Leaders Around World Deplore 'Unspeakable Horror' of Attack | Christians urged to unite in prayer as they unite in shock and denunciation. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Experts Say Spiritual Roots Will Aid in Coping With Catastrophe | Pray and connect with others, advise nation's chaplains. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Fear and Hate | In times like this, as in all other times, Christians have a responsibility to love above all else. (Sept. 11, 2001)

God's Message in the Language of Events | In the face of evil, we must focus on keeping our hearts right. (Sept. 11, 2001)

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September (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45