9/11 Anniversary Commemorations

One of the treasures of New England is the variety of ways in which the people of this region, as individuals and as part of an organized effort, come together to assist those in need and to commemorate special events. A good example is the many commemorations of the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorism attacks that are taking place throughout the region this weekend - whether they be faith-based, community-sponsored and others.

Myrna and I were blessed to be at this morning's observance held at Saint Maria Goretti Church (in Pawtucket, RI), which was included as part of the 9:30 Mass.

As has been noted by a number of commentators, people tend to remember what they were doing when they found out about the attacks. In my case, I was teaching my eighth grade class at what was then Saint Patrick School in Providence (RI). The principal (Steve Raymond) called me across the hallway to the library, where we had a television set. The first tower was ablaze at the time, and I went back and forth between the two rooms for a bit (I did happen to be watching the television when the second tower was hit).

It "just so happens" that St. Patrick Parish has a noon-time Mass, and most of the student body went to this Mass on this day. It was packed - state workers on their lunch hour and a multitude of parishioners and other people came to pray for the nation and for those affected by the attacks. Throughout the region and the rest of the nation, there were a number of other religious services of various types as many Americans (and others) came together in prayer during this tragic time.

(Unfortunately, the religious fervor died down somewhat as time continued on and as people again began to focus on day to day responsibilities and other activities [. . . sigh . . .].)