On this tragic day, 17 years ago, the worst terrorist attack ever occurred on U.S. soil.  Two hijacked commercial jet airplanes were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center, as a third commercial jet airplane was flown into the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania.  This morning, let us pray for the three thousand people who died that day and for those individuals who are still grieving their losses.

Let us call to mind that we are in God’s presence.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

O God of love, compassion, and healing,

Bring peace to this violent world,

Peace in the hearts of all men and women,

And peace among the nations of this earth.

Strengthen us in Hope,

And give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world

Where people of all races are treated with dignity and respect.

We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ametur Cor Jesu, Ametur Cor Mariae

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.