Millions of Americans recognize this picture of Franciscan priest, Friar Mychal Judge being carried away from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Aptly called "The Saint of 9/11," Father Mychal was killed by falling debris while offering aid and prayer to injured New York City firefighters inside the World Trade Center. He became the first officially-recorded fatality following the attack.

Nearly 3,000 people attended his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 15 at St. Francis Assisi in Manhattan (Funeral Homily by Father Michael Duffy: here). Among the congregation were national and city officials, celebrities, and everyday people draw to his life of selfless service.

Compassionate champion of the needy and forgotten and a beloved Fire Department Chaplain, Father Judge was a contemporary parish priest who wrestled with his own private challenges while touching others in powerful and miraculous ways. Throughout his career as a friar, he lived a life of witness, action and love. He identified with the alienation of the forgotten, the marginalized, and the shunned. Through his own vulnerability and humanity, he was able to reach people in their pain, shame and fragility. In his last homily given on September 10, 2001 at the New York Fire Department's Engine 73, Ladder 42 firehouse in the Bronx, New York he said:

"You have no idea what God is calling you to. But he needs you. He needs me. He needs us all."

In the spirit of this remarkable man, the Friar Mychal Judge Pastoral Center is committed to a ministry of care and witness to the sick and those in the final stage of life, to their family, friends and caregivers. We are honored to do this work as a small legacy to this wonderful man.

"Saint Mychal Judge, pray for us!"

The Friar Mychal Judge Pastor Center is an independent Catholic Ministry.