The Catholic Charities Appeal of Philadelphia
Twenty-one years ago on September 11, 2001, the world will forever with tremendous sadness four terrorist attacks in which 2,996 or more people died. On that fateful day countless victims died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a plane which crashed in Shanksville, PA headed for Washington DC. For those who lived at that time and remember, it is a day we will never forget.
Countless innocent lives were lost, and heroes came forth as brave souls willing to risk and/or give their lives for those who needed help at that moment. Firefighters, police officers, first responders, and hundreds of other brave souls offered assistance on one of the darkest days in history.
Twenty-plus years later
Over twenty years have passed since 9/11, and when the anniversary stares us in the face once more, we cannot help but be saddened and reflect on the lives lost and the memory of that horrific day. We remember those families and love ones who lost those they held dear and continue to offer our deepest prayers and condolences on the loss of their family members and/or friends.
We also extend continued prayers for those who have suffered great losses since that day on September 11th through chronic health problems, emotional and psychological traumas, and other long term affects. Our deepest prayers go to them to be able to continue life’s journey and to find consolation through the caring support, love, care, and prayers of others.
A prayer of remembrance for lives lost and those affected
Heavenly Father,
We come to you on this anniversary of September 11, 2001, when countless lives were lost and affected forever after terrorist attacks that day.
Lord, we thank you for your consolation to all of us on the losses of that fateful day.
We know Lord that you understand suffering, and you suffer with us.
You understand pain, and you understand what it feels like to witness the tragedies of our world. We know that it pains you even more than it does us to watch humanity suffer due to the affects of sin in our world. You cry with us when the world suffers, and we thank you for your unconditional love as it never ends.
Lord, we pray for the countless men, women, and children who died as a result of that tragic day in history, and we lift our prayers for all of their souls who are now with you. We also lay before you those who died courageously to save others’ lives such as our firefighters, police, and other first responders, and many others.
Lord, please also bless and protect those who continue to struggle with chronic health issues many years later and for their families.
Our entire world needs your love, guidance, and protection, Father. We are grateful for the ways you show us how much you love all your children.
We ask for the intercession of all the angels and saints on this day and always, and we ask this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.