USCCB’s Archbishop Coakley offers prayers, encourages continued commitment to peace as 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches

“As conflicts intensify around the world, let us renew our commitment to be Christ’s instruments of peace in an increasingly fractured and divided world,” said Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and archbishop of Oklahoma City, in a statement marking the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept.11, 2001. 

 Archbishop Coakley’s statement follows:  

 “As we prayerfully remember the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, I invite all Catholics to join me in prayer for the victims taken from us in acts of unjustifiable violence 25 years ago at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in rural Pennsylvania. In a special way, we lovingly embrace in prayer the victims’ families and friends, who still mourn the irretrievable loss of their loved ones on that day. We also remember the first responders and emergency workers, so many who gave their lives in selfless acts of courage. 

“Amid that terrible day and the dark hours of fear and uncertainty that followed, we must also remember that our faith lifted us up and sustained us. As a nation, we found ourselves turning to God in prayer and looking to our faith with a new intensity and a sense of unity. 

 “As conflicts intensify around the world, let us renew our commitment to be Christ’s instruments of peace in an increasingly fractured and divided world. The building of peace in our country and around the world – a mission that enables us to be called children of God – is the great challenge of our time. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, tells us that peace is more than just a goal, it is a presence and a journey. He says that even in places where only rubble remains, and despair seems inevitable, we still find people who have not forgotten peace.

 “As we pray for our nation’s continued healing, for the souls of all those lost on that day and the comfort of their families, let us implore the Holy Spirit to conform us, increasingly, into the image of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and together build a civilization of love and universal fraternity.”

 Click here to view Archbishop Coakley’s statement on the USCCB website.

Bishop Edward Malesic will celebrate the Diocese of Cleveland’s annual Blue Mass at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 4423 Pearl Road, Cleveland. All first responders, active and retired from all Northeast Ohio departments are encouraged to attend and wear their “Class A” uniform.

For more information, contact Father Doug Brown, chaplain for the Cleveland Division of Police, Cleveland Division of Fire and the Cleveland Metroparks Police Department, 440-477-3877.

The liturgy is open to the public. A social will follow.