James Haupt
The first official death recorded on 9/11 was Fr Mychal Judge, a Franciscan friar and chaplain of the New York City Fire Department.
Fr Mychal had rushed to the scene, administering last rites and praying with those caught in the chaos. He was killed by falling debris and officially designated Victim 0001.
25 years later, his legacy, extends far beyond this number.
FR. KEVIN MULLEN
Franciscan friar of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe
When you first met him or when you last met him, you had the sense that you were the only person in his life. He met you in a way where he looked you directly in the eyes and he always liked to repeat your name. And he had that great facility for remembering people. But when you were with him and in his presence you were the only person who counted.
Some of Fr Mychal's final moments were captured by two filmmakers. Despite the life-threatening danger, Father Mychal was focused on supporting and praying for others.
FR. KEVIN MULLEN
I remember vividly seeing their video and Mychal is in the ground floor of the North Tower that was first struck.
I remember Mayor Giuliani saying to him”Father Mychal we need your prayers today” and he responded “I’m praying for everyone. I’m praying for everyone.”
Fr Kevin remembers the homily from Fr Mychal's funeral. The words demonstrated his impact on those around him.
FR. KEVIN MULLEN
He concluded his homily by talking about “we’re burying Mychal’s body today but not his spirit." “We’re burying his eyes today, but not his vision.” “We’re burying his hands today but not the service that he gave.”
Every year the Father Mychal Judge 9/11 Walk of Remembrance honours his memory. The walk starts with Mass at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and then retraces his final journey.
FR. KEVIN MULLEN
The church misses him. New York City misses him. We need more Mychal Judges. God bless us. He left us some legacy to try and fulfill. And I’m happy to say there are people stepping up trying to do it.
It’s been 25 years since the 9/11 attacks and Father Mychal’s bravery and humility still touches the lives of everyone who hears his story.
