We Remember and Pray

 

On Friday, September 11, 2026, we commemorated the 25^th anniversary of 9/11. In the days prior we experienced many remembrance programs, and the focus was on that day when the world changed forever. Many recalled where they were and what they were doing on that day. It was a time to remember and honor those who were lost that day and those who were lost as a result of that day.

I have clear and vivid memories of that day and yet as each year passes, I am struck by the new things I am learning about those who were impacted that day. This year I was particularly stuck by the coverage on the first recorded fatality, Fr. Michael Judge. Fr. Judge voluntarily went to the site to pray with rescue workers who were entering the tower. The images of his death will forever be in my mind and heart.

As we mark this 25^th anniversary may we once again become the nation we were on September 12^th. May we become once again people who seek peace and harmony in all we do. Let us continue to pray for all who paid the ultimate price that fateful day and seek peace in all we do.

 

God of compassion, we remember the sorrow of this day.
We hold in prayer the innocent lives lost.
We honor the courage of first responders.
We lift up families who still grieve.

Lord Jesus, you embraced the Cross of human suffering.
You know our fear, our pain, our loss.
Let your mercy bring healing and hope.
Let your love overcome hatred and division.

Holy Spirit, breathe peace into our world.
Strengthen us to walk the way of compassion.
Make us witnesses of the Cross of Christ.
May love be the last word, now and forever.

Amen.

A Labor Day Prayer

 

As the sun rises to bring in the new day:

We remember those who descend into the earth, their work begins in darkness, pulling from the earth the resources we steward.

We remember those who work inside a building away from the light and brightness of the day.

We remember those who work outside in the harsh elements of our world, the bitter cold and sweltering heat of extremes.

We remember those who do not have a job to go to, who are struggling to meet the needs of their daily living expenses, for whom the day becomes long and arduous.

As the sun sets to bring in the evening of rest:

We remember those who work in the night.

We remember those who are trying to recover from their labor and toils of the day.

We remember those who participate in unsafe and dangerous work.

We pray for a renewed sense of dignity in their lives and in their work.

God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the worker. Make a place in our hearts for compassion to the men and women who labor tirelessly for basic necessities. Ensure a place for the men and women who are struggling to find work. Grant us your wisdom to greet and care for those who are unable to work due to illness or circumstances that prevent their participation. Be with the children who are not able to run and play but instead must put in a hard day’s work to help their family afford to eat, to live. Be with us all, Christ Jesus, as we go about the busyness of our work. Hold us accountable not only for our actions, but most importantly to each of our neighbors. May we continue to work together to bring about your reign! We ask this in your holy name, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

Season of Creation

This year, the Season of Creation invites us to reflect on the prophet Ezekiel’s vision (47:1–12) of a life-giving river flowing from the temple of God—growing without stopping and bringing life wherever it flows. The Season of Creation begins on September 1 and ends on October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis.

Water heals, restores, and helps creation flourish. It also calls us to recognize the damage we have done to our common home, embrace our interconnectedness, and take responsibility for healing and restoration.

Religious leaders from around the world invite us to enter this year’s Season of Creation: Living Water as a journey of faith and action. May it inspire us to transform awareness into action and commitment into hope, so that the healing of the Earth and human well-being may flourish together.

Watch and share the full video: https://youtu.be/xVVZ8LSpcRk

Who Do You Say I Am?

Today's Gospel for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time shows us Jesus asking this question of those who were closest to Him. He asks this of Peter someone who He considers a friend. He has watched Peter give up his livelihoodand his daily routine to follow Him. This moment allows Peter to acknowledge if he understands why he has sacrificed so much. Peter understands that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Peter gives Jesus the answer that shows he understands: "You are Christ, the Son of the Living God." He fully understands what Jesus' purpose is.

I love this Gospel as it was the Gospel for my Reception, my First Profession and my Final Profession. This day some thirty-nine years ago I professed my First Vows as and Ursuline Sister of the Roman Union Eastern Province. Over these years I have often reflected on this Gospel. My answer has grown deeper over the years. I have seen many changes in my community over these years but my rootedness to living the Gospel has not changed. This is a day, whereever I am or whatever I am doing I take time to reflect on what has been and pray for the grace to accept what is to come.

Like Peter, we too, are called to action. We are called to live our lives knowing who Jesus is for ourselves. Our understanding of Jesus continues to grow each day when we surrender our lives to Him. We are called to continually find our treasure and share it with others. May our loving God continually call us to a deeper relationship so that we have the courage to go out and tell the good news to all.

Jericho Walk

 

Last week I had the privilege of participating in the LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious). One of the most moving parts of the experience was participating in the Jericho Walk. The Jericho Walk is a form of non-violent public witness rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, developed by the New Sanctuary Coalition in New York City dedicated to upholding human rights. Jericho Walks have been held around prisons, detention centers, where violence has happened in cities and in places where injustice is present.

The walk consists of gathering in a line and encircling the place where violence is present. We walked around the pool where a centerpiece naming and lamenting the injustices prevalent in our world were listed on beach balls in the water. During the traditional Jericho Walk, there are seven circuits of a route circling the object of prayer. During each circuit, we remained in silence, except for the sound of the shofar, the drum which guided our steps and the readings. During each circuit, three lamps of light and hope were placed into the pool representing our commitment make our actions match our words as we go forth from this space.

Between each circuit, we prayed the litany of saints, invoking the spirit of those who have spoken truth to power in our past and who represent the founders and foundresses of some of the congregations who were present.

It was a truly moving experience to see hundreds of sisters walking around the pool, standing in reverent silence, and praying for peace in our world. May we continue to seek peace in all we do.

Dreams Come True

On Wednesday, August 5th a dream became a reality. Earlier this spring, the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula Modern Band, sent in a demo tape to the New York Yankees. Weeks passed before a response came from the Yankees organization. The Modern Band did such a wonderful job that they were invited to sing the National Anthem at the Stadium. After weeks of practice they came to the Stadium to sing infront of thousands of fans. Although the start of the game was delayed by weather, it turned into a wonderful evening filled with school pride. The students delivered a beautiful performance, and we couldn't be prouder of the way they represented the Academy. The dream began with a simple recording and became a reality infront of countless fans, families, and friends.

This experience showed me the importance of persuing our dreams. We should not be afraid to take the risk and try things we never thought possible. Our loving God will never abandon us and will stand beside us always. We need to simply remember to ask for what we need.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

This Sunday we celebrate the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The liturgical readings focus heavily on the boundless, compassionate generosity of God and His ability to turn human scarcity into absolute abundance. In our readings we hear about God’s boundless generosity and His enduring love. The gospel is an excellent example of the fact that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. We begin hearing about the death of John the Baptist. Jesus did not have much time to grieve this loss as there was work to be done.

The Gospel continues with the story of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus heals the crowds and multiplies the five loaves and two fish to satisfy over 5,000 people. Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it and shared it. This action foreshadows the institution of the Eucharist.

As we take time to pray this day let us remember Jesus’ humanity – he understood the pain and suffering that comes from profound loss. Jesus reaches out with deep compassion. Perhaps this is our call today – to reach out to others with deep compassion.