New York: 9/11 remembered in prayers and services

Cardinal Nolan with NT Firefighters

The fifteenth anniversary of the world's deadliest terror attack was remembered in special services and events across America. In New York City, some 2,996 people were killed in the September 11 attacks in 2001 when terrorists flew hijacked planes into New York's World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Washington. A fourth plane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as passengers tried to regain control of the plane.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated a solemn Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral which was attended by members of the New York Fire service. Cardinal Nolan wrote on his Facebook page: "Fifteen years ago, we all made a solemn promise that we would never forget. Never would we forget those who lost their lives; and so that spirit of reverent and grateful memory especially inspires us at Holy Mass this morning.

Firefighters, we welcome you and we're honored to pray with you on this 9/11 anniversary."

A number of events also took place at St Paul's Churchyard - part of the parish of Trinity Episcopalian Church, Wall Street, New York. The chapel at St Paul's was used as a relief centre for recovery workers for almost a year after the 9/11 attacks.

The church is currently closed for refurbishment; but a service took place in the churchyard, beginning with an 8am Eucharist service which was planned to conclude with the ringing of the Bell of Hope at precisely 8.46am EDT (12.46pm GMT), marking the time the first plane flew into the North Tower.

The Bell of Hope was a gift from the City of London to the people of New York and was presented by the Mayor of London on the first anniversary of the attacks. It has been rung every year on the anniversary of the attacks and to mark terrorist events elsewhere in the world. The bell was tolled in a pattern of five-strikes, repeated four times - the traditional method used by US firefighters to remember fallen colleagues.

At 3.30pm, a 'Calling of the Names' ceremony was held in St Paul's churchyard, honouring the responders, rescue and recovery workers, and volunteers. At 7pm in the churchyard, a programme of words and music was held as an act of remembrance of those who died in the 9/11 attack and as a result of mass violence worldwide.

The day's events concluded with a candlelit Compline service in Trinity Church.

The Unite States Conference of Catholic Bishops has a special section on their website commemorating 9/11 with prayers, reflections and films. See:
www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/september-11/index.cfm

Source: St Patrick's Cathedral. USCCB, ICN