Mychal Judge, a New York City Fire Department chaplain, was among the first on the morning of September 11 to rush to the World Trade Center. Before Judge administered last rites to an injured firefighter, he removed his helmet. Falling debris from the tower hit by American Airlines Flight 11 killed him. Judge was 68.
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."
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)
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)
For video or audio coverage, see CNN, ABC News, and Sky News. The Washington Post is running a live Web cam of the Pentagon building.
The Washington Post has a list of tenants of the World Trade Center and a graphic depicting the attack.
Yahoo has also compiled aid organization contact information, closure notification, and survivor lists.
President Bush addressed the nation on the evening of Sept. 11 (video | transcript). He declared Sept. 14, 2001 a national day of prayer. Bush first learned of the World Trade Center tragedy while preparing to speak to schoolchildren in Sarasota, Fla.. There, he asked Amercians for a moment of silence for the victims.
The Pope and Billy Graham have spoke out on the tragedy and sent out prayers to the victims and their families.
While we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
As my doubts about his teachings grew, so did a secret fascination with Jesus.
The founder of Concerned Women for America was credited by President Ronald Reagan with “changing the face of American politics.”
