Just got back from the annual graveside service for Fr. Mychal Judge

[no_hypocrisy]

The Chaplain of the NYC Fire Department.

I didn't personally know him, but I admire him greatly. I'm not Catholic, but he's my saint.

Fr. Judge humanizes 9-11. He wouldn't want revenge. He'd want humanity and love as a true Franciscan.

Every year, there is a mass for him in a small Catholic church built in 1898 in Paterson, and then to the gravesite. 80 people in the Church, and maybe 20+ including Rep. Bill Pascrell, our Representative.

In our own way, we re-dedicate ourselves to Fr. Mychal and his mission:

Lord, take me where You want me to go;
Let me meet who You want me to meet;
Tell me what You want me to say, and
Keep me out of Your way.

Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/prayers/catholic/guidance/father-mychals-prayer.aspx#JrzGGdYR0EVSvoYG.99

[CBHagman]

1. Thank you for posting this.

I didn't know Father Mychal Judge either, but I know at least two people who did know him, and not only because I've been up to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Lower Manhattan. The impression I have is that Father Mychal really was all about reaching out to people who needed him, whatever their life circumstances were.

For people who don't know his story, consider watching The Saint of 9/11. Whatever you believe or don't believe, you'll find a very human story here.

Yes, that is Malachy McCourt, brother of Frank McCourt, among the people weighing in on Father Mychal.

[hlthe2b]

2. I'll never forget the incredibly poignant photo of him being carried out.

A very good man, indeed.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. I have that photo taped to my door. Look at it every day.

9-11's "La Pieta"