September 11, 2021
Dear Cardinal Newman Families,
On this Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, I want to share with you that we took the opportunity yesterday to reflect and pray about the tragedy that occurred twenty years ago. Thousands of innocent lives were lost in the worst act of terror ever on American soil. Many lost loved ones and continue to mourn them.
This was also a day when heroes took action in order to care for others, saving lives, with many giving up their own in the process. First responders immediately set their own safety aside to protect others, even at their own peril.
It is important for us to remember that this violence led only to tragedy. Many of our countrymen continue to suffer or mourn twenty years later.
Let us please continue to pray for all victims of violence and terror, past and present, those who lost their lives on that day, those who still suffer because of it, and those who lost loved ones.
Let us also keep in mind all those first-responders and service men and women who work to keep us safe every day, even when it means personal sacrifice. Finally, let’s pray that we may have the courage to encounter hatred and violence with charity, mercy, and peace.
Christ's Peace,
