Shrines remember the victims of 9/11
It has been more than two decades since the 2001 terrorist attacks. Many shrines across the country and even all over the world have created touching memorials to bring peace and healing to survivors.
One such memorial can be found in Stirling, New Jersey, at the Shrine of St. Joseph. The Shrine constructed the Tower of Remembrance, which is composed of beams from New York City’s World Trade Center and perpetually honors the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and their families.
Pilgrims can easily find the Tower of Remembrance nestled in the woods along the Shrine’s main parking lot. The Shrine of St. Joseph felt it was important to honor all the victims who died on September 11, 2021 including many residents in the surrounding towns. The name of each innocent victim who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in the field in Pennsylvania is inscribed on the memorial walls.
The Shrine is a place of healing, prayer and peace and they welcome all. The opportunity of a pilgrim visit is to find comfort and to ponder upon our call to be peacemakers in our everyday life.
The Shrine offers an Ecumenical Prayer Service every year on 9/11 at 7pm to remember and pray for peace. Local clergy members offer reflections and are invited along with local First Responders; Fire Department, Police Department, and First Aide squads to share a meal before the Candlelight Vigil. We aren’t just remembering we are also praying for those currently serving and striving for peace.
According to Pilgrimage coordinator Christine O'Connor, The Shrine of St. Joseph Eternal Peace Garden & Columbarium is connected to the Tower of Remembrance pathways and many family members of victims and current first responders are planning for interment in the Eternal Peace Garden.
"I have been told that the proximity to the steel from the North Tower Building brings them comfort," said O'Connor.
Other national 9/11 memorials include:
National September 11 Memorial & Museum (New York City, NY): Located at the World Trade Center site, it features two massive twin reflecting pools set in the footprints of the North and South Towers, surrounded by waterfalls and bronze parapets inscribed with the names of all victims. It also includes the Survivor Tree and the 9/11 Memorial Glade. [1, 2, 3]
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial (Arlington, VA): Situated just outside the Pentagon, this park contains 184 illuminated stainless steel and granite benches dedicated to each person who died inside the building and aboard American Airlines Flight 77. [1, 2]
Flight 93 National Memorial (Shanksville, PA): Set in the field where United Flight 93 crashed, this memorial features the Wall of Names, the impact site, and the Tower of Voices holding 40 wind chimes.
Catholic 9/11 Memorials:
St. Philip Neri Church (Bronx, NY): Honors fallen 9/11 firefighters (such as Lt. Michael K. Healey and firefighter Donald J. Regan) with dedicated plaques recognizing their sacrifice. [1]
St. Aloysius Parish (New Canaan, CT): Hosts regional remembrance Masses for Connecticut residents lost in the attacks.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral (New York, NY): Hosts a solemn vigil Memorial Mass (livestreamed via the Archdiocese of New York). The cathedral famously held funeral and memorial Masses for many victims in the days following September 11, 2001. [1, 2]
Resurrection Cemetery (Staten Island, NY): Serves as the final resting place for 61 victims of the attacks, hosting dedicated memorial Masses. [1]
Calvary Cemetery (Queens, NY): Serves as the final resting place for 16 victims, with regular memorial Masses. [1]
St. Paul’s Chapel (New York, NY): Located just steps from the World Trade Center, the historic chapel survived the collapse undamaged and operated as a 24-hour sanctuary and recovery-worker hub for nine months. It features enduring art installations and historical exhibits (covered by Trinity Church NYC). [1, 2]
Cathedral of St. John the Divine (New York, NY): Features the permanent sculpture September 11: A Memorial by artist Meredith Bergmann in the Alcove of St. James. [1]
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