Fr. Mychal Judge, OFM, remembered through acts of service

As the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks approaches, the Franciscan friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe join millions of Americans in remembering the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day. We also pray for the families, first responders and survivors whose lives were forever changed. Among those killed on Sept. 11 was our brother Fr. Mychal Judge, OFM, beloved Franciscan priest and FDNY chaplain, who became the first recorded victim of the attacks. 

A native New Yorker, Fr. Mychal served as chaplain to the Fire Department of New York from 1992 until his death. Known for his compassionate ministry among firefighters, first responders, the homeless and those living with addiction or illness, he was administering last rites to a fallen fighter when he was killed at the World Trade Center. His life and witness continue to inspire people around the world. 

Several events being held in New York City this year will honor Fr. Mychal's legacy and the memory of all who died that day: 

9/11 Walk of Remembrance 

The annual Father Mychal Judge Walk of Remembrance in New York City traces the route that Fr. Mychal took from St. Francis of Assisi Friary to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. Along the route, participants pause and pray at fire stations and New York Police Department and Port Authority Police Department precincts.  

The walk will begin at 9 a.m. with a rosary outside of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 135 W 31st St, New York, NY, United States, 10001, and will continue down 7th Avenue to conclude at St. Peter’s Church on Barclay Street around 12 p.m. All are welcome to attend. 

Click here for more information. 

"The Stations of Mychal" 

A musical presentation that tells the story of Fr. Mychal’s life – from his humble beginnings to his ministry as chaplain of the Fire Department of New York – will be performed at 7 p.m. on Sept. 9 at St. Joseph Church, 120 Hoboken Rd, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, and at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10027. Performances are free and open to the public. 

‘Blessed Bloomers’ distribution 

Mychal’s Message will hold its annual Blessed Bloomers distribution on Sept. 6 at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, providing new socks and underwear to people experiencing homelessness while honoring Fr. Mychal and all who served at Ground Zero, including clergy, emergency personnel, firefighters, police officers and volunteers. The nonprofit organization, founded in Fr. Mychal’s memory, continues his legacy of compassionate service to those who are homeless, hungry, poor or forgotten. 

"Remembering Judge" documentary premiere 

This 30-minute FDNY documentary about Fr. Mychal's life and legacy will premiere on Sept. 26 at the 9/11 Museum. Several screenings will be held at Firehouse Cinema, 87 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10013, throughout the month of September. Click here for more information.