“I think there's a sense of resilience in this country and I think that's something that a lot of people here are proud of,” she said.
“We're all taken back to those days before 9/11 where there was such a sense of patriotism and unity amongst all Americans, not only New Yorkers. It was really felt across the nation and across the world.”
Catholic Ceremonies
Catholic communities in the Northeast are also coming together in the next week to pay tribute to the victims of the Sept.11 attacks.
At St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, a Mass of Remembrance will unite over 2,500 people on Sept. 10 and will be presided over by the Vatican observer to the United Nations Archbishop Francis Chullikatt.
The event will feature Gregorian chant sung by renowned musical group Pueri Cantores as well as local children's choirs.
Organizer Jan Schmidt said that the archbishop's presence shows the Vatican's solidarity with the American Catholic community as they grieve.
“Archbishop Chullikatt,” Schmidt noted, “is a man of great kindness, intelligence and humor who has a deep passion for youth and excellent music.”
“It's a distinct honor for our singers, their families and the 9/11 families to have him with us at this Mass. He is an extraordinary leader in our Church,” Schmidt said.
In Baltimore, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary plans to honor victims with a solemn Vespers service on Sept. 11, led by local Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien.
“People in the East Coast, given their proximity to New York, Pennsylvania and D.C., have a special appreciation for the horror of 9/11 because they likely know someone personally impacted by the terrorist attacks because they lived there, worked there or were visiting there,” archdiocesan spokesman Sean Caine said.
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Caine said that the evening's service will consist of “the nightly evening prayer of the universal Church,” including hymns, Scripture readings, prayers and a homily from Archbishop O'Brien.
“Just as many people did that day and in the days that followed, people are expected to turn to their faith – whatever it is – and seek comfort for their grief, loss and sense of vulnerability and fear,” Caine added.
“It is our hope that people, regardless of faith, find some comfort in the welcoming and prayerful presence of our Catholic churches at this time.”
Also attending the Vespers service will be auxiliary Bishop Denis J. Madden and six pastors from neighboring Catholic parishes.
Although Caine said the number of expected attendees is unknown, invitations have gone out to the entire “ecumenical community” in the downtown area.
“The victims of 9/11 and their families have a special claim on our prayers,” Caine remarked.