On September 10, 2026, one day before the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Catholic Charities of New York staff attended a special Memorial Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral led by Archbishop Ronald Hicks.
The Mass featured a bagpipe procession by the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and was attended by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, former President Joe Biden, and many other local, national, and faith leaders.
In his sermon, Archbishop Hicks recalled the events of 9/11. “At first, we attended funerals, countless funerals,” he said. “We comforted grieving families and friends. We gathered for Masses and prayer services. We cared for first responders and survivors. We donated to human service organizations that led multi-year efforts of continued assistance and aid. We read the deceased’s names every year. We built memorials. We rebuilt Lower Manhattan and the World Trade Center. We created the 9/11 Museum. We established foundations and scholarships in memory of those who died. We came together across religious traditions to pray for peace.”
Following the Mass, a crowd gathered at the entrance of St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a candlelight vigil commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11, sponsored by Catholic Charities of New York.
Community members shared recollections and prayers honoring those whose lives were lost in the attacks and their aftermath, as well as those who selflessly stepped in to serve people in need.
“The candles we hold tonight are symbols of Christ’s light. Amid the darkness, that light reminds us that love is stronger than hatred, compassion is stronger than fear, and hope can endure even in the face of unimaginable loss,” said Tom Dobbins, Deputy Director of Public and Community Engagement.
“We pray for those who lost their lives. We pray for their families and loved ones. We pray for the survivors and the first responders who continue to bear physical and emotional wounds,” he added.
“I was riding the 6 Train downtown when everyone got off at the 23rd Street stop,” Marion Boteju, Corporate Secretary and Senior Director of Strategic Philanthropy, shared with the group. “I immediately knew something was wrong because so many people on the street were looking dazed and afraid. When I reached my office, I learned what happened, and I too felt dazed and afraid.”
“To this day, I have not been able to ride the 6 Train without remembering that morning,” she said.
“In the months that followed, the tragedy remained very personal through my work,” said Parish Engagement Coordinator Patrick Howley. “I supported a mother grieving the loss of her firefighter son, witnessed a friend grieving for her fiancé, met a cook who survived because he was late for work that morning but lost coworkers and friends.”
“September 11 reminds me of the fragility of life, the importance of compassion, and the strength people find one another during unimaginable loss.”
Catholic Charities of New York played a significant role in relief efforts in the aftermath of 9/11, walking with thousands of families dealing with the emotional and economic shock of the tragedy. Twenty-five years later, we continue to grieve alongside our neighbors and carry forward the spirit of love and resilience that allowed our community to rebuild. In Howley’s words, “We remember. We honor. We do not forget.”
