A Statement from Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach 2019:
"As we recall the devastating evil that occurred on September 11, 2001, we also encounter the overwhelming goodness of so many men and women who met and conquered the horrors of that day. We continue to pray for all those personally affected on 9/11 and continue to pray that the destruction of evil and terrorism will always be overcome by the power of love manifested in the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. We pause in prayer today for our nation and for all those who give themselves to protect it and its people."
Message from the USCCB:
9/11: The Catholic Church Remembers
911. For years, those numbers simply meant a call for help. Now they also remind us of September 11, 2001, the date of the worst terrorist attack on the United States of America and one of the deadliest days ever on American soil. To mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11 in 2011, we gathered reflections and remembrances from clergy who ministered to victims and their families, and others who were impacted by the tragedy.
In October 2001, the United States Congress passed a joint resolution designating that every September 11th be observed as "Patriot Day." The resolution requests that U.S. government entities and interested organizations and individuals display the flag of the United States at half staff on Patriot Day and that the people of the United States observe a moment of silence in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Below are links to liturgical resources for the observance of Patriot Day, bishops' statements and other materials for reading and reflection.
In 2009, a presidential proclamation declared that Patriot Day is also a "National Day of Service." The proclamation calls on Americans to "participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with other ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services ... to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001."
