Reflection on the 15th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11.

As many people I still remember where I was and what I was doing when I first learned of the attacks in America, I also have family in New York, and like many New York families my relatives knew people that died in the Twin Towers. On this fateful day we commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks that brought death, pain and grief to America and shock to the rest of the world. On this day, on a Sunday it is important to remember all those who have died, those who have lost someone and those who have suffered greatly from this tragedy within our congregations at church, at mass; this horrible attacks also represent the too many that followed them and still do nowadays, we should think of how to respond to terrorism and hatred, at least on our behalf, with love and prayer. So many people lost their lives, so much has been said about 9/11 but it is important to never forget this macabre "queen" of attacks. There should not be a poll of tragedies, but this was absolutely an immense one, too many brutally lost their lives or friends, partners, children, parents, in a terrible, visible, immense slaughterhouse that too well portrayed the pain in which these people died. I could not be frank enough on this. May the light of God always shine on evil, just like the lives of those saints that saved lives and often died in the attempt, on that day. The Roman Anglican's thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and relatives, that peace may triumph and that love that only Christ gave us may conquer this unjust world in which too many smaller 9/11s occur. There is always a dawn, there is always a resurrection. Jesu mercy, Mary pray. We must never forget.

Eternal and gracious God, hear the prayers of your people as we remember in sorrow all those who died on this day in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania fifteen years ago. As we commemorate the precious gift of their lives we commend them, in faith and trust, to your embracing love and mercy. We remember too all the families and hearts everywhere which have been broken through such act of violence and terrorism, that they may be held through the pain of grief, surrounded with the gentle care and strength they need to continue their lives in hope and peace. We also pray in gratitude for the bravery and endurance of the emergency services throughout the world, especially for the members of the Fire and Rescue Services. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.